In a span of just a year and eight months, Omar Cardoza has shown admirable curiosity and initiative, participating in multiple events, opportunities, and projects at Otak as a Design Technician within our Architecture group. We’re taking the time today to celebrate his recent achievement of earning his LEED Green Associate (LEED GA) certification. With this accreditation, Omar has taken a significant step towards a more sustainable and impactful architectural career!
What is a LEED GA?
Taking the initiative to pursue the LEED GA certification, Omar’s commitment to self-improvement is commendable. He acknowledges that while the intention was always there, it required dedicated effort and focus to attain this achievement. Now, equipped with the LEED GA certification, Omar is excited to take a more informed and conscious approach to his work. In his own words,
According to the U.S. Green Building Council, LEED is the #1 recognized green building rating system in the world. The LEED Green Associate certification is the first of two tiers of professional green building accreditation. Referred to as “LEED GA”, LEED Green associates have demonstrated knowledge of green building practices and standards related to the design, construction, usage, and maintenance of buildings.
Why a LEED GA?
The motivation behind Omar’s pursuit of the LEED GA accreditation, to him, stems from a combination of factors. Recognizing the increasing relevance of sustainability in today’s architectural landscape, he felt the need to equip himself with the tools necessary to design and construct environmentally conscious structures in the modern era. Omar’s passion for the environment and his belief that architecture goes beyond just the physical structure to influence the lives of the people who use it further fueled his desire to earn his LEED GA.
Omar sees the LEED GA accreditation as a pivotal milestone in his professional journey. The certification provides him with a robust foundation to integrate sustainability seamlessly into all phases of project delivery. This enhanced understanding of green building practices will not only enable him to create more environmentally responsible structures but also contribute to his overall growth as a modern architect.
Doing the Work
Taking the initiative to pursue the LEED GA certification, Omar’s commitment to self-improvement is commendable. He acknowledges that while the intention was always there, it required dedicated effort and focus to attain this achievement. Now, equipped with the LEED GA certification, Omar is excited to take a more informed and conscious approach to his work. In his own words, “It acts as a catalyst for my ongoing career development, and I view it as the first step in a series of big steps to advance in the world of sustainable architecture.”
Omar’s accomplishment reflects his dedication to professional growth and his commitment to designing spaces that not only function well but also positively impact the environment and the lives of those who inhabit them, something deeply aligned with our values in design. As he continues to evolve as an architect, Otak eagerly anticipates the contributions and innovations he will bring to the realm of sustainability!
It’s official! Our partners at Multnomah County Library have broken ground on a state-of-the-art library in East County, promising a dynamic landmark that will transform the community’s access to learning, play, and connection. The groundbreaking ceremony for the impressive project took place on July 12, 2023, showcasing the library’s commitment to innovation and community engagement.
The future East County Library will span an impressive 95,000 square feet, making it comparable in size to Central Library in downtown Portland. The library’s strategic location will provide convenient accessibility for all residents of East County.
Otak’s PM/CM & owner’s representative team, led by Project Manager Mike Day, is proud to have a role in making this project a reality by providing owner’s representative and bond program management services in partnership with Multnomah County library.
The Road to the Perfect Site
The journey to find the ideal site for this ambitious project culminated with the purchase of the former Gresham City Hall Park and Ride (1297 NW Eastman Pkwy, Gresham) from TriMet. The collaborative agreement between Multnomah County Library and TriMet marks the end of years of extensive search efforts, ensuring the library’s placement meets the needs of the community while allowing for future transit-oriented development by TriMet. The City of Gresham will also play a role in shaping the vision for the surrounding civic space.
The groundbreaking ceremony featured Multnomah County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson, District 4 Commissioner Lori Stegmann, Multnomah County Library Director Vailey Oehlke, Gresham Mayor Travis Stovall, and other key members of the community. Programming also included a land blessing performed by the NARA (Native American Rehabilitation Assoc.) northwest chapter, a local non-profit group. The event celebrated the library’s role as a transformative space – bringing together the diverse population of East County.
Designed by the Community, for the Community
At the heart of the library’s design is community engagement, with insights and dreams from residents of East County driving the vision for the project. Through the Community Library Champions program, members of community organizations like El Programa Hispano Católico and Black Economic Collective worked directly with residents to gather their input and aspirations for the library.
Rendering courtesy of Holst Architecture
Among the exciting features inspired by community input are:
Large Auditorium: The library will house a spacious auditorium with flexible seating, catering to cultural celebrations, lectures, performances, and family programs. This multi-purpose space will be a true asset to East County, providing a venue for events that were previously unavailable in the area.
A Makerspace: A dedicated area will be provided for classes and exploration of various disciplines, from robotics to construction to 3D printing, encouraging hands-on learning and creativity.
Audio Visual Studio: The library will incorporate a top-of-the-line audio visual studio, offering users a professional-grade studio experience within the library’s premises.
Teen Space: With technology, connection, and creativity in mind, the library will feature a sizable teen space, providing an inviting environment for young people to engage with the latest technologies.
Diverse Collections: To reflect the cultural and linguistic diversity of the neighborhood, the library will curate diverse collections that cater to the interests and backgrounds of its patrons.
Dedicated Family Space: The library will prioritize family-centric spaces, offering secure indoor and outdoor play and learning areas for children.
Outdoor Community Space: With an outdoor amphitheater and plaza, the library will become a central gathering place for community members, hosting music, speakers, and other events.
More than a Library
The East County Library project will go beyond providing a physical space for books and information, aiming to enrich lives and foster community connections. The building will be designed with sustainability in mind, pursuing LEED Gold certification, and incorporating eco-friendly elements such as native plants, energy-efficient systems, and the use of recycled and locally sourced materials.
Rendering courtesy of Holst Architecture
“This new library will be beautiful, accessible, and representative of the people of East County. A public library should reflect our highest ideals and aspirations, and we are making that a reality,” said Vailey Oehlke, Director of Libraries.
The library construction process, scheduled to begin in August 2023, is estimated to cost approximately $147 million, with completion anticipated in fall 2025. As the plans for the East County Library take shape, anticipation and excitement are building within the community, marking the beginning of a new era in public libraries for Multnomah County.
For more information on the East County Library project and Multnomah County Library’s initiatives, visit their website at www.multcolib.org.
He approaches every project with a holistic view of sustainability that encompasses social wellbeing, environmental preservation and restoration, economic development, and a project’s lifetime resilience to future long-term environmental and economic conditions.
What is Envision?
According to the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure, Envision is a framework that helps communities cut greenhouse gas emissions, create good-paying green jobs, address environmental justice, and meet climate-change targets that works much like LEED when it comes to construction of buildings. The key difference between Envision and LEED is Envision applies the framework to a multitude of project types spanning the public infrastructure spectrum, and is becoming increasingly popular when it comes to sustainable and resilient project delivery.
The framework provides a flexible system of criteria and performance objectives to aid decision makers and help project teams identify sustainable, resilient, and equitable approaches. It works at all levels of a project’s lifecycle – during the planning, design, and construction phases.
What is an Envision Sustainability Professional (ENV SP)?
An ENV SP is essentially an expert in the Envision framework — a professional that has demonstrated their knowledge in making projects sustainable and just from the planning to final delivery stages. Through the credential, Envision recognizes and brings attention to individuals trained and dedicated to developing more sustainable infrastructure.
When asked about his achievement, Charles humbly expressed his happiness and pride. He sees these credentials as a reflection of his passion for creating a greener and more sustainable future. An enthusiasm for continuous learning and personal growth makes him a true asset to Otak and an inspiration to his colleagues.
Real World Applications: Monroe Ave Stormwater Infiltration Facility for the City of Renton
Charles’ passion for sustainable development and his accreditation complement each other, fostering innovation and environmentally responsible practices. This can be seen firsthand on the Monroe Ave Stormwater Infiltration Facility Project for the City of Renton – a remarkable $15-20 million endeavor set for construction in late 2023.
Through an improved stormwater conveyance system utilizing multiple stage stormwater treatment prior to full infiltration of stormwater runoff from the contributing 250-acre basin, the project showcases his dedication to creating sustainable solutions that positively impact the community, and it’s a testament to Charles’s ingenuity and his ability to implement environmentally friendly strategies without compromising on quality.
Take a closer look at the project here, courtesy of the City of Renton, to learn more!
As we look to the future, Charles Dewey’s expertise and dedication will undoubtedly continue to drive positive change within Otak and beyond. His work stands as a testament to the power of sustainability and innovation in shaping a better world for all. We’re proud to have Charles as part of our team and can’t wait to see what incredible projects he’ll contribute to next!
For any discussion about the future of design – modular architecture is now part of that conversation.
Trends in the field point to it as well. Back in 2015, the Modular Building Institute notes that modular construction constituted 2.9% of all construction while expecting it to grow to 5% in 2020.
As it turns out, modular buildings now make up more than 6% of new construction in the United States. With a market now expected to grow from $89.18 billion in 2022 to $95.59 billion in 2023, modular construction is in demand because it’s become more cost effective, efficient, and flexible in design.
Modular design’s history can be traced back thousands of years to the ancient Romans who created prefabricated sections of their forts that could be assembled on-site for quick defense. And modular configurations have been commercially available since the early 20th century.
Modular units being constructed on site.
The difference in today’s approach to modularity is advances in technology. From enhanced building materials and greater precision in manufacturing, to the logistics behind transporting building components, the entire process is now done with greater quality and efficiency. The result is a modern architecture approach that’s often more innovative in design and efficient in completion than today’s traditional methods.
In this piece, we’re taking a closer look at the practice of modular design and exploring its details and advantages, as well as implications for the future of the built environment. Feel free to read on or skip ahead:
Modular architecture’s definition is rooted in the term ‘module’: where prefabricated units of a structure are assembled in configurations designed to meet different sizes, complexities, or functions.
Modular Versus Prefabricated
The relationship between modular construction and other types of prefabricated approaches like panelized construction is similar to the relationship between 3D and 2D design. While modules are three-dimensional units comprised of several prefabricated pieces, panels are individual flat pieces assembled on-site. So, one could think of modular construction as a specific application of prefabrication where floors, walls, and roofs are integrated into larger units, often comprising one or more rooms.
Simply put, prefab deals with the manufacturing of the individual units (walls, floors, and other elements) with assembly of entire spaces happening later at the construction site.
Benefits (and Challenges) of Modular Architecture
With a number of factors driving added attention to modular architecture – the rapidly growing need for adequate, affordable housing significantly among them – there are numerous benefits being found by both designers, builders, and the community who eventually uses the final product.
Of course, with the benefits of any approach also come challenges. Below we’ll take a closer look at both in some key areas.
Quality Control A modular approach to design and building allows for greater control of the overall quality of a structure. With units prefabricated in a factory setting as opposed to being subject to field conditions (i.e., short building windows in colder, wetter seasons, etc.), there’s less degradation of materials.
Also, because modular construction is simplified to an assembly process, reliance on different skill levels or unfamiliarity from on-site labor – and quality issues that can arise as a result – are dramatically reduced.
However, since units are prefabricated, often with proprietary materials and methods, if quality issues do arise, they aren’t able to be addressed on-site as easily as with conventional construction.
Constructability A huge benefit of a modular approach is time. Construction time on a modular structure takes a fraction of the time it takes to build from the ground up. The process is also safer for workers as fewer people are needed for less complicated tasks on a shorter schedule, minimizing site risks.
This benefit can be even greater when used at scale while applying templated configurations across multiple sites, as opposed to a one-off approach for each building. It’s estimated that modular approaches can reliably save at least 20% in construction costs, including the potential for an estimated $22B in savings annually across U.S. and European markets. This savings makes sense when you consider the reduced construction time that leads to a reduction in overall emissions from heavy equipment.
While site accessibility is a challenge with any project, because modular design involves the use of larger units, this can be a limiting factor for difficult to reach locations.
Construction site of an office building in Berlin.
Repeatability As mentioned, modular design lends itself to repeatability and scalability. The consistencies gained in minimizing onsite construction issues like weather or access, improve the quality of overall construction while being more insulated from the elements. Using a system of repeated building blocks leaves less room for variation in quality and creates a process that can then be repeated across multiple sites.
Sustainability Modular design is also better for the planet. The approach bakes in an emphasis on minimizing waste in the construction process because the process is primarily carried out in the controlled environment of a manufacturing facility. The units themselves are also often made using recycled materials. Almost every client values sustainable methods that lessens onsite waste and materials, because less waste not only lowers a project’s overall carbon footprint, it also lower costs associated with disposing and transporting that waste.
Establishing Design Goals for Clients The benefits of modular design also extend away from the job site. While of course not exclusive to a modular approach, the use of 3D visuals can be particularly useful in facilitating a discussion that requires an extra degree of predefined design decisions with the client.
A discussion including a modular architecture approach can draw out a client’s true goals for the project, like if they want resilient products that are easy to maintain for a buyer that can be weatherproofed during the short build season. Different components of the structure can be modular in an ‘a la carte’ type approach to meet the design, avoiding the challenges that come with limited variety and allowing for design flexibility.
Example 3D rendering of a sustainable house, using modular design.
A Modular Design Approach: What Makes a Project a Good Fit?
It’s one thing to consider a modular design approach, but it’s another to decide which projects are most suitable for it. The reality is it’s a different design process from what traditionally takes place and might not always be the right solution depending on the project details.
For one, designers have to think in a more integrated way because the pieces of the puzzle are bigger. Units also must be designed to thorough specifications to make sure everything fits just right when it comes time to build. Architects need to think about how one gets the most customization in the fewest components, while also considering the need for flexibility. Owners also tend to invest more in early phases of the project so the prefab process can begin, meaning decisions need to be made early so that can be conveyed to financiers.
Consideration of a modular approach is best done early in the design process to truly reap the benefits in identifying projects that are a good fit.
An Answer to the Housing Crisis: Modular Residential Home Design
Modular architecture can be especially useful for residential home design. With the growing housing crisis plaguing the United States, it’s estimated that 3.8 million more homes must be built now to keep up with population growth in the future, and modular design lends itself to the need in a unique way.
Given its repeatability, scalability, and time-saving capabilities, modular construction allows for a number of cost-effective solutions to building houses en masse. Rather than a one-off approach with a traditional stick-built home, modular home design delivers a shortened schedule, material cost savings, and a more sustainable project, ultimately getting people into homes – and developers paid – more quickly.
Modular Housing Common Questions
When considering modular architecture for housing projects, there are a few common questions to consider:
Can modular homes be stacked?
Modular homes can be designed as a single standalone structure or multiple story building by stacking them. Bottom line: there are many structural and design possibilities.
Can modular homes be renovated?
Modular homes can be modified and renovated, though much depends on the initial structural integrity and design which may require specialized knowledge and resources.
Can modular homes be built anywhere?
One of their greatest benefits is that modular homes can be placed just about anywhere. There are some constraints since the larger components need to be able to be accessible to a site.
Modular Architecture for Commercial Buildings
Large-scale projects don’t just include housing. While not currently as common, commercial buildings are increasingly being built using a modular approach.
Modular construction site.
In cases where there is a need for meeting rigorous quality standards (due to regulation or client specifications) a modular approach can help ensure those standards are met. This is especially common in advanced manufacturing and the automotive industry for example. Efficiency with energy, materials and construction timelines are also goals that lend themselves well to a modular approach to commercial facilities.
Modular Architecture as A Growing Application in Healthcare Facilities
Healthcare is another area where modular design is growing in popularity, and the concept is gaining hold for several reasons.
While the priorities of healthcare have evolved over time to place a greater emphasis on patient-centric model that emphasizes convenience and experience, the physical infrastructure for the industry has comparatively lagged. An effort to catch up has turned many to the benefits of modular design for the development of new healthcare facilities.
Example of modular units.
Modular architecture is helping bridge that gap with healthcare facilities by simplifying coordination and install of multiple, complex infrastructural components that are often needed.
In addition to being more innovative and scalable in design, the cost-efficient nature of a modular approach is especially fitting an industry where creating the convenience for communities of nearby facilities is a priority. Considering the size of these projects, insulation from factors that often cause delays in construction (weather, labor shortage etc.) and other on-site complications is also an important consideration in getting healthcare facilities operational on schedule. These efficiencies also translate to cost savings and a better return on revenue.
Applying Creative Design Approaches to Architecture
Every project is unique and the options for bringing them to completion are numerous. The ability to deliver creative designs that meet a diverse set of client goals and project types is at the heart of our architecture practice. Modular design is just one approach in a world of possibilities to consider.
Take a closer look at our architecture work and learn more about a design-forward mentality that fits into a unique set of multidisciplinary capabilities.
When it comes to transportation engineering, Otak believes in the power of multimodal transportation as an essential design lens. In our view, roads are not only for cars – pedestrian overpasses, bike lanes, and the surrounding landscape all serve to make transportation infrastructure more robust, inclusive, and perhaps most importantly, sustainable for all to use no matter how you’re getting from point A to point B.
Attending events in this space enables us to use this philosophy as a differentiator, where we can not only share our values and approach, but we can also build relationships with the communities we work in. The result is transportation projects using a more involved and community-driven design method that serves the needs of the neighborhood.
It’s this emphasis on community-driven design that makes conferences like the NACTO 2023 Conference in Denver, Designing Cities, so important to us.
We’re happy to report our own Kevin Dooley and Ann Nguyen served as key speakers at the NACTO 2023 conference, working to showcase projects in the region that are helping transform how cities can, or ought to be designed.
What Is NACTO?
The National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO) Designing Cities conference is in its 11th year, bringing together over 1,000 officials, planners, and practitioners to advance the state of urban transportation. By bringing city officials, planners, and transportation professionals together, real conversations can be had about how to improve everyone’s access to quality transportation infrastructure – especially while improving a city’s bike network.
This conference is an especially good way to get an idea of what issues or challenges officials from cities around the country are facing in their multi-modal design processes, as well as identify new trends in the industry like sidetracks or protected intersections.
Denver 2023: A Site to Showcase Progressive Transportation Networks
NACTO Route: Boulder’s Core Arterial Network
Right in the backyard of our Colorado locations, this is the first time NACTO has been held in Denver. The city was chosen strategically as a place to showcase some of the most progressive and quick bike network expansions in the country since becoming a major point of emphasis for local government, a trend also catching on in surrounding cities like Boulder or Fort Collins.
What’s key about this for us is that a unique focus is given to the socio-economic factors impacting transportation access, or lack thereof, in a given community. Working sessions were done with historical context in mind, meaning factors like the evolution of transportation and how it impacts different demographics of people are at the forefront of conversation.
Otak leaders also gave presentations directly surrounding this topic, so we’re about to take a deep dive on what they talked about and the ideas they shared.
Prioritizing Safety and Mobility on Major Streets: A Look at Boulder’s Core Arterial Network
These working sessions at NACTO Denver, dubbed “WalkShops,” centered on literal walk-throughs of project sites throughout the city. At each location discussions were had on techniques that were used and what benefits they had to the community.
First, we’ll get into what Kevin Dooley, a Transportation Project Manager, presented on. As part of Boulder’s Core Arterial Network (CAN), more than 30 transportation planners and officials from all over the country rode through our 30th and CO Underpass project – where Kevin was on-hand to provide insight to NACTO attendees.
Improving One of the Most Dangerous Intersections in Boulder
An essential transportation route for both the general community and University of Colorado Boulder students was in dire need of an upgrade – not just aesthetically but functionally. The intersection of 30th and Colorado represented one of the most dangerous in the city. Coordination with our teaming partners based on public feedback and outreach was critical to the design process, all in an effort to make the intersection safer for all who use it, no matter the mode of transportation.
One of the unique solutions for delivering the project was raising the intersection by about five feet to provide a pedestrian underpass. This allows for shorter underpass approach lengths while meeting ADA compliance. The project also includes more 0.5 lanes miles of raised bike lanes, or “cycle track”, and incorporates the City of Boulder first fully “protected intersection” for street cyclists.
Apart from impact on right of way for users among other benefits, the design was meant to showcase that one is not always limited by space in evaluating a site. If you’re able to think outside the box, creativity ultimately pays off when designing a functional pedestrian underpass.
A second design feature also delivered two separate underpasses – the decision was one that took a data and community driven approach to complete. Early findings when researching the site showed the southwest and northeast, plus southern and eastern leg movements were more congested than the other elements of the existing intersection. Modeling also showed that one diagonal underpass would allow for only around 390 users per day, far below the utilization the project needed.
The two-underpass approach captured 61% of all bike and pedestrian crossings at the intersection, with 38% of those users traveling both legs of the intersection. During planning, over 1,000 bikes or pedestrians per day were expected to use at least one of the two underpasses, and 38% of those will use both. Using data and utilization as a guiding light made this project an especially great one to showcase at NACTO this year.
Improving Denver’s Urban Core: A Community-Led Effort Around Transportation, Art, and Culture
Ann Nguyen, an Otak landscape architect and planner, took the lead in her Walkshop around the developing core of Denver’s urban center. Besides being an expert on our team, she’s also involved in the La Alma Lincoln Park Neighborhood Association and serves as an advisory board member for the Art District on Santa Fe, meaning her passion for Denver and its design are always top of mind.
Her Walkshop involved a compilation of projects in the La Alma and Lincoln Park neighborhoods in West Denver. Improvements to neighborhood safety and main street connections in the core of the city also focused on preserving cultural elements of the urban fabric.
Transportation Design and Planning Behind a Cultural and Art District
The projects Ann walked through focus on ‘cultural’ and ‘art’ district designations and their importance to making cities places where people love living.
As a major stakeholder on the Santa Fe Streetscape project, Ann showcased a transportation-focused way of improving safety along a main street that was recently shrunk from four lanes of traffic to three lanes to create a more pedestrian-centered environment. The project represents progress on a long-standing vision for the neighborhood, including the Art District and Business Improvement District situated along this corridor.
Next, she walked viewers through the 5280 Trail project, which is a loop in the urban core of Denver that connects its neighborhoods to each other. Ann led the third phase of that project through community-led design and activating areas along the proposed trail. Ann worked closely with the Art District on Santa Fe, Neighborhood Association, Denver Housing Authority, local artists, nonprofits and youth to install two murals between Denver’s first Art District and its second cultural district.
Finally, Ann walked through her work on the Santa Fe Design Overlay, a rezoning project she’s been working on independently for years. With the goal of developing a true main street, those rezoning plans were passed. This cleared the way for a design overlay on Santa Fe Drive that supports future development that’s integrated with the existing community, ensuring that it complements the existing built environment and character of place.
Otak is excited to announce that our work on 180th Street SE Improvements for Snohomish County just won Project of the Year at the APWA Washington’s annual Spring conference in the $5 million – $25 million Transportation category!
Read on as we take a deep dive into what this award means, and why we’re so grateful to be recognized among many other deserving winners from across Washington state.
What’s the Project?
The impact of improvements to the 180th Street corridor makes the area safer for pedestrians, bicyclists, drivers, and critical habitats in the surrounding natural environment.
The unincorporated area between the cities of Mill Creek and Bothell is one of the fastest growing in all of Snohomish County. The east/west 180th St SE corridor runs through the heart of the community, and along with the north/south corridors of State Route 527, 35th Ave SE, and Seattle Hill Rd, is one of the main routes for navigating the southwest area of Snohomish County.
With the steadily increasing population and plans for additional transit options coming to the area, improvements to the arterial transportation system are a top priority for Snohomish County.
Otak partnered with Snohomish County Public Works to deliver transportation, structural, and environmental services for the project’s Phase I improvements, and we’re beyond proud of the final result.
What’s the APWA?
The American Public Works Association is an international educational and professional association of public agencies, private sector companies, and individuals dedicated to providing high quality public works goods and services. Originally chartered in 1937, APWA is the largest and oldest organization of its kind in the world, with headquarters in Kansas City, Missouri, an office in Washington, D.C., and 67 chapters throughout North America. APWA provides a forum in which public works professionals can exchange ideas, improve professional competency, increase the performance of their agencies and companies, and bring important public works-related topics to public attention in local, state and federal arenas.
The Washington Chapter’s 1,400 (+/-) members come from the entire state of Washington. The Chapter as a whole meets twice a year at spring (Western Washington) and fall (Eastern Washington) conferences and there are several other formal and informal annual events throughout the year.
We’d like to formally thank APWA Washington for bestowing this award on such a deserving and community-driven project. Stay tuned for more conference and award news as this season gets into full swing. We can’t wait to connect with more of our partners and clients at future events, and maybe win some more awards along the way!
Otak is excited to share that we have once again offset our annual emissions. We continue to partner with the Bonneville Environmental Foundation (BEF) to quantify and offset our carbon footprint from our offices, air, and vehicular travel for both work trips and commuting. Otak is committed to taking steps towards reducing our environmental impacts, and our offsets are just one piece of that strategy.
Balancing Emissions at the Office and in the Field
BEF provides third-party verified offsets and renewable energy credits. Renewable Energy Credits are purchased to offset our office energy consumption across all regions, or our total Scope 2 emissions. Our remaining emissions fall under Scope 3; we purchase traditional offsets for this category. Otak has the opportunity to contribute to projects of value through our Scope 3 offsets:
Otak’s firmwide emissions increased from 2021 to 2022, primarily due to an increase in our Scope 3 emissions for employee commute and business-related travel as we see business operations return to normal following the pandemic. However, despite a growing office footprint, our Scope 2 emissions decreased year-over-year, an outcome from applying updated emission factors specific to the regions in which our offices are located. As regional energy production systems become less carbon-intensive over time, Otak offices will similarly experience reduced emissions associated with our energy use.
2022 Emissions Distribution
A Closer Look at Commitments to Sustainability
You can learn more about BEF’s offset program here.
If you’re interested in learning more about actions you can take to lower your personal and household carbon footprint, check out these resources:
For today’s traveler it’s a common, if not inescapable sight—crowds of people seemingly everywhere. This includes places where, in the past, this may not have been the case. Significant growth in tourism across the globe in recent decades has given rise to ‘overtourism’ or simply put, too many visitors in one place at one time.
The trend of overtourism has brought the practice of visitor use management (more commonly found within outdoor recreation areas) into focus for a wider variety of locations. In this piece, we’ll explore the meaning of overtourism, the problems it can create, and solutions for managing its impact that balance site preservation with quality visitor experiences.
Overtourism is the impact of tourism on a destination or location that excessively impacts quality of life for local communities, habitats and/or the overall quality of visitor experiences in a negative way.
It’s important to note that overtourism is relative to capacity and specifics of each location. Local infrastructure, facilities, community and ecology are all among the details that determine where overtourism is a problem and help define the needed solutions.
Problems of Overtourism
With the exploding popularity of destinations across the globe, it follows that overtourism bears a huge impact on those spaces.
Overtourism, especially by those who may not be familiar with visiting national parks and historical sites, brings certain pressures on systems of visitor use management that wouldn’t otherwise be there. That unfamiliarity can create conflict when it comes to guidelines of where they’re visiting, which is all the more reason why visitor use management is becoming increasingly important to preserve spaces and protect people.
The Social Media Impact on Overtourism
In many ways the information age has been a boon to tourism. The ability to find and travel to locations across the globe has increased dramatically. At the same time, for many destinations, heightened visibility now often comes with a cost.
With the rise of social media, scenic locations have been exposed to overtourism through the viral popularity that can come with sharing a destination on these platforms. The visual nature – Instagram in particular – makes the travel industry ripe for social media and the way “influencer” dynamics can quickly drive people to action in pursuit of likes and followers.
Whether it be through general awareness or attempts to replicate perceived success over social media, these platforms’ impact on overtourism – both for well-known and new locations alike – is already apparent and growing.
Overtourism Solutions
When addressing overtourism challenges, a delicate balance found in visitor use management comes into play. Does one use an unobtrusive and indirect approach? Or does one need a more intrusive and direct intervention method when thresholds are broken? The answer is: it depends.
Many issues are specific to the parks and geographies, but can also be understood as a regional system. Consider the questions behind how local use is dispersed – Where are visitors going? What are they doing in light of crowding and increased use of natural spaces?
These questions have not only local implications, but also regional and international impacts when applied to other historic sites where tourism abounds. Professionals in Visitor Use Management need to have a high-level understanding of the system and ask themselves practical questions about how people actually behave, whether they be at a National Park or at the Eiffel Tower.
3 Types of Overtourism Examples
As discussed, a quickly growing travel environment has made the issue of overtourism relevant to an increasing number of locations. Growing accessibility to reach destinations more quickly and at further distances, coupled with rising interest a broader array of destinations, has lead to a trend that’s sure to continue.
There are some primary examples of overtourism where the impact is already abundantly clear and, in many cases, where solutions have already begun to be put in place.
Iconic Destinations
Some of the places experiencing the most acute impacts of overtourism are naturally those that have already traditionally been popular tourism destinations. Many of these locations are also very old, which can leave them particularly vulnerable since their infrastructure often isn’t designed to handle modern visitor use capacities.
Venice, Italy
Machu Picchu, Peru
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Santorini, Greece
Encouraging travel during non-peak seasons and limiting the amount of visitors allowed to certain areas of a given destination are just a couple of the strategies being used to help combat the negative impacts of overtourism.
Historic Sites, Museums and Public Attractions
While the impacts of overtourism can be clearly seen in its effect on natural landscapes, the same challenges are felt at other types of popular public attractions. This is especially relevant for museums and historic sites that have sensitive, often fragile, aspects of their value. Visitor flow at these public sites now often being optimized using the elements of a visitor use management framework.
The US National Park System (NPS) has largely been a victim of its own success. A concerted effort over the years to grow interest in natural landscapes as well as growing popularity with outdoor recreation activities has taken its toll on the parks experience and natural resources.
While still fairly new in practice, the visitor use management framework has quickly become prevalent in the National Park System as well as other public land recreation areas. The framework’s principles of establishing desired conditions, identifying indicators, and setting thresholds and triggers are now being used to address overcrowding on trails and parking. They also protect the valuable natural resources that make these destinations the irreplaceable scenes they are.
Otak’s commitment to sustainable placemaking is one of our cornerstones, as an immovable aspect of who we are and our approach to our work. Sustainability matters to us not because it’s popular, but because it’s a moral imperative to those we serve given the realities of accelerating climate change.
Take a look at our Sustainability Action Plan for a more in-depth view into how environmental stewardship is taking shape in various facets of the way our business works and operates.
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