NEW YORK, NY.- Rafael Viñoly Architects’ design for the Van Andel Institute’s Phase II building has been awarded LEED Platinum status by the United States Green Building Council (USGBC). A major fixture of Grand Rapid’s “Medical Mile,” the Institute was designed by Viñoly in 1997 as a phased-growth facility, expandable and adaptable to meet the changing needs of its team of elite researchers. Phase II added 240,000 square feet of new laboratory space as well as innovative environmental and service features that bring the building to the forefront of the health sciences in the 21st century. This achievement further underscores West Michigan’s role as a leader in sustainable development, as Grand Rapids has the third highest concentration of LEED certified buildings in the United States. VAI is only the second facility awarded LEED Platinum Certification for New Construction in Michigan, and sets Ra