|
Paragon Engineering Corporation provided mechanical and electrical consulting engineering services for the International Headquarters for MBNA America Bank, N.A. The complex consists of four buildings connected by enclosed pedestrian bridges. The four buildings provide a total of approximately 1,200,000 square feet. The project was constructed in phases beginning with Building I in 1994 and concluding with Buildings III and IV in 1997. Building I houses the administration floors for the senior operating committee. The central computer room for the complex is in Building II with satellite technology rooms in each building. Building III provides the main entrance to the complex and houses the central education and training facilities. Building IV includes a central cafe and fitness center. All buildings provide below grade parking.
The buildings are heated and cooled by water source heat pumps with central plants in Buildings I, II and IV. Outside air is heated, cooled, humidified and dehumidified by variable volume central station air handling units utilizing chilled water and steam. Smoke management systems were designed to pressurize stair towers and provide negative pressure on the fire floor and positive pressure on the two surrounding floors. Parking garage ventilation is controlled by CO detectors to conserve energy and monitor CO levels.
|
