Tempe Municipal Building
The Tempe Municipal Building is the city hall of Tempe, Arizona; notable for its inverted-pyramid shape.
Designed by architects Michael and Kemper Goodwin, and completed in 1971, the unique shape of the steel-and-glass building was intended to conserve energy by keeping the building cool in hot weather and warm in cold weather. The pyramid’s 45-degree angle maximises solar gain in the winter whilst minimising it in the summer.
The ground floor comprises 188.1 sq. m of reception space, the first floor is 522.6 sq. m, and the second floor is 930 sq. m. Council chambers are provided in a semi-basement level.
It's primary structure is a steel frame which supports thick panes of tempered glass. The building is flanked by free-standing stair towers, and a concrete plaza which radiates out from the pyramid.
Recognised as a local landmark, in 2010, the building received the 25-Year Award from the Arizona Society of the American Institute of Architects, in part for its innovative, sustainable design.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
A case study and a warning to would-be developers
Creating four dwellings for people to come home to... after half a century of doing this job, why, oh why, is it so difficult?
Reform of the fire engineering profession
Fire Engineers Advisory Panel: Authoritative Statement, reactions and next steps.
Restoration and renewal of the Palace of Westminster
A complex project of cultural significance from full decant to EMI, opportunities and a potential a way forward.
Apprenticeships and the responsibility we share
Perspectives from the CIOB President as National Apprentice Week comes to a close.
The first line of defence against rain, wind and snow.
Building Safety recap January, 2026
What we missed at the end of last year, and at the start of this...
National Apprenticeship Week 2026, 9-15 Feb
Shining a light on the positive impacts for businesses, their apprentices and the wider economy alike.
Applications and benefits of acoustic flooring
From commercial to retail.
From solid to sprung and ribbed to raised.
Strengthening industry collaboration in Hong Kong
Hong Kong Institute of Construction and The Chartered Institute of Building sign Memorandum of Understanding.
A detailed description from the experts at Cornish Lime.
IHBC planning for growth with corporate plan development
Grow with the Institute by volunteering and CP25 consultation.
Connecting ambition and action for designers and specifiers.
Electrical skills gap deepens as apprenticeship starts fall despite surging demand says ECA.
Built environment bodies deepen joint action on EDI
B.E.Inclusive initiative agree next phase of joint equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) action plan.
Recognising culture as key to sustainable economic growth
Creative UK Provocation paper: Culture as Growth Infrastructure.
Futurebuild and UK Construction Week London Unite
Creating the UK’s Built Environment Super Event and over 25 other key partnerships.
Welsh and Scottish 2026 elections
Manifestos for the built environment for upcoming same May day elections.
Advancing BIM education with a competency framework
“We don’t need people who can just draw in 3D. We need people who can think in data.”