By: Eye On Inglewood Staff Writer
Renderings: Courtesy of the Architects
The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in Inglewood, California, is set to unveil a new facility designed by Paul Murdoch Architects, marking it as the first Zero Net Energy (ZNE) DMV building in collaboration with the California Department of General Services.
The design features a large overhanging canopy with photovoltaic solar panels, efficiently generating power while providing shade for outdoor driver testing areas and queuing. This sustainable approach significantly lowers energy consumption and eliminates operational carbon emissions, promoting an engaging environment for both employees and visitors through ample natural light.
The project has been recognized with a 2024 American Architecture Award from the Chicago Athenaeum Museum of Architecture and Design and the European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies.
Organized for efficiency, the building includes distinct zones for public services, employees, and a transaction counter, with clear visibility for staff and a straightforward layout for customers. Clerestory windows and a glass facade enhance natural light and security throughout the space.
Set on a 2.5-acre parallelogram-shaped site, the facility features a landscaped forecourt for public parking and pedestrian access, while vehicle entrances have been relocated to side streets. Drought-tolerant landscaping minimizes water use to less than 16% of traditional rates, and the Palo Verde trees enhance the building's aesthetic, echoing the historical yellow and blue palette of California license plates.
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