CREJ

March 2022 / BUILDING DIALOGUE / 63 ing pattern that runs parallel to the ground. The upper lev- els are a neutral-colored metal panel with gray/blue glass. Transparency into and out of the building is important, and attention was given to framing views toward the Grand Plaza and the backyard through and around the scrim. Sus- tainability is a core value for Colorado State University, and sustainability is inextricably tied to the wellness of com- munities. Hydro will support the comfort, health and well- ness of the peoplewho inhabit or visit the building through transparency, daylighting, access to nature and promoting physical activity. Much attentionwas given to the transpar- ency of the building, including views into and out of the building to make Hydro more welcoming. Approximately 60% of the building is transparent and includes outdoor seating patios, which help activate the façades. The trans- parency gives multiple opportunities for pedestrians to see programmatic activities within the building. The Hydro building is a unique user experience in a one- of-a-kind facility. Inspired by water, the building invites the public into the large entry lobby, which connects three lev- els via a circular “river eddy” stair to a bridge on the third floor that connects the CSU Hydro building to the CSU Ter- ra building. The grand three-story stair was designed to en- courage visitors to be active and climb the stairs instead of taking the elevator. The Hydro building will teach visitors about water conservation through public art installations, various educational exhibits, views into professional active scientific research laboratories, and backyard design that tells the story of One Water. One Water is the concept that emphasizes how our planet has a finite amount of water, and it is an essential resource that needs to be efficiently used and reused whenever possible. Because water use is critically important in the West, Colorado specifically since it is a headwaters state, the Hydro backyard will showcase grey water reuse, innovative stormwater opportunities, re- search regarding rainwater reuse, andphotovoltaic impacts on vegetation. Approximately 7,500 square feet of green roof is identified to support CSU research on water reuse and vegetation. Green roofs are also a creative stormwater management solution and delay the discharge of rainwater to the sewage system, filter particulate matter from the air and convert CO2 into oxygen through plants, contribute to air purification, reduce the ambient temperature, create a cooler and more pleasant climate, and promote the habitat of birds, butterflies and insects. The Hydro building has been designed for maximum flex- A metal building scrim springs from the ground like a river at the front door The Hydro building design utilizes a sophisticated material pal- ette that capitalizes on textures to create a play of light and shad- ow on the building.