Dive Brief:

• Chances are any architect would  love the commission to design a new location for retail giant Target Corporation, but each site is unique. The site MBH Architects got was more than a little challenging.
• Target's site in San Raphael, Calif., included the dump that had served San Quentin Prison, with hazardous materials to boot.
• The land was expected to sink 2 to 3 feet in the next three to four decades and was generating methane gas from the garbage. MBH tackled the problem with prefabricated pilings for support, elevated walkways to connect the parking area to the store, and light poles that vent methane far above the shoppers.

Dive Insight:

MBH not only solved the challenge of the site's underlying issues, but Target got a LEED Gold store that includes storm water recycling, solar panels for power, and charging stations for 17 electric cars.