910Arts is a wonderful example of the environmental, economic, and social benefits of green building. Cheryl Spector of Spector & Associates, the Architect and Social Entrepreneur of 910Arts, wanted to construct a green building and positively impact the social environment, to go beyond green. 910Arts is a “perfect” mix of architecture, engineering, economics, ethics, and creativity. Any innovation requires that you first identify and understand the problems. Determine what is not working and solve the problem by changing the system, spreading the solution, and persuading others to take new approaches to traditional methods.
910Arts integrates challenges to optimize the community within and without the built environment. Some of the “beyond green” aspects include:
· Integrated Capital
· Collaboration and partnerships with the public, private and corporate
· Training for minorities
· Green Building education and awareness for youth (especially on recycling and re-use
This socially and environmentally responsible project is a pioneer in the Denver area. It has created a synergy of creativity and exemplifies adaptive re-use of an older building while incorporating a new addition.
910Arts is not just a building or a place. It is a creative community of artists committed to sharing their works and their passion for their art with each other and the public. It is truly an “experience.”