Initially, Gap contracted a competitor to handle the MEP design. The firm’s work had a few major problems. Most significantly, they placed mechanical equipment along the perimeter, killing the waterfront views on several floors. After several months of setbacks, Gap pulled in CB Engineers. In our first weeks on the project, we simply listened. We learned that the client wanted a space that inspired employees to excel, and that advanced sustainable design and construction—a relatively novel concept in the days before LEED® certification. The design we submitted was an exemplar of environmentally sustainable engineering. Through an extensive thermal analysis, we demonstrated that Stern’s signature seven-story glass atrium would allow for natural air circulation and passive cooling, saving thousands in energy costs annually. The final design also included operable windows and 10’8” ceilings in the most densely occupied spaces, which naturally regulate the building’s temperature. CB Engineers’ work ensured that key features—expansive views and wide corridors—were not obstructed by mechanical elements. We implemented a space-saving, compact HVAC system and an innovative underfloor air distribution system that capitalizes on the building’s thermal mass to reduce peak cooling loads. These will significantly offset utility costs in the long term.