Julia A. Kirton, an Installation Architect at the Directorate of Public Works at White Sands Missile Range, is a beacon of unwavering commitment to her work and community. Her recent entry into the Barbados Government Modern School Infrastructure Design Competition proves her dedication to her profession and native island country.
Source: U.S. Army White Sands Missile Range (via Facebook)
The competition, held in May, sought to identify concepts for modern school infrastructure in Barbados that address critical factors for Education Transformation, Climate Resilience, and Sustainable Infrastructure. Kirton’s designs, which secured the top spot in two out of three categories, were exceptional and set a new standard in the field.
Her designs for the Secondary School Design Category, akin to that of a high school institution, and the Special Needs School Design Category both earned the highest recognition. Kirton emphasized that the success of her designs stemmed from the principles of collaboration and connection.
“I wanted to give them what is the best of the best,” said Kirton. “Now they are going to take my proposal and apply them to existing schools in parts and portions, or they might actually look to build the entire facility.”
Kirton incorporated rainwater harvesting, photovoltaic solar panels, hydroponic gardens, geothermal cooling, and Trombe walls to meet specific criteria in both designs. For example, the hydroponic gardens can supply food and create a green space for students to enjoy while learning.
“The Trombe walls are thicker walls to collect heat and reduce it. We have a hot, humid climate in Barbados. We need to do whatever we can do to help reduce heat going into the building,” said Kirton. “I designed it with a lot of shading devices, and it also protects against hurricanes because the shading devices are like hurricane panels that protect glass.”
Kirton reflected on her achievement, “It is not very often that one gets to compete at the highest level in their profession for their native land. It was truly an honor.”
Her passion is not limited to her role at White Sands; she shares her knowledge at Dona Ana Community College, New Mexico State University and contributes to critique sessions at El Paso Community College and Texas Tech University.
Kirton also dedicates herself to local projects. Her current involvement in completing the Memorial Park Design for White Sands Missile Range is a significant contribution. This project is a tribute to the important sites and sacrifices made at White Sands Missile Range and will preserve the range’s legacy for generations to come.
Kirton’s design concept for the memorial is a hand, with each of the five fingers represented by five walls featuring plates with information about significant sites or individuals. The monument will also serve as a guide to the locations of the sites, such as the Trinity Site. Kirton is currently delving into the Army regulations to navigate the official process of memorializing the park with her design.
“A lot of families have put their efforts into White Sands Missile Range, soldier’s families as well. This could be a place where we could all recognize these people,” said Kirton.
The memorial’s design has a significant surface area. After the memorial is complete, people can apply for a plaque, tile, or brick in memory of their loved one who served at White Sands Missile Range. The idea is for the proceeds to go towards maintaining the memorial structure.
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