5.4.7 Arts Center, Greensburg, Kansas, USA

The first LEED-Platinum art center, constructed by the efforts of the students of Kansas University and participants of Studio 804, 5.4.7 Art Center is located in Greensburg. Gross floor area of the green building is 155 square meters (1,670 square feet). The project, total cost of which was $336,500, was completed in 2008. The name of the center – 5.4.7. – represents the date of the tornado (May 4, 2007) which almost entirely devastated Kansas. The center provides classrooms and galleries and organizes exhibitions for those who are interested in fine arts, both visual and performing. 5.4.7. Arts Center is also a non-profit organization which offers programs for different groups of students and schoolchildren. The building is also a leader in the sphere of sustainability and green design. It is armed with three wind turbines which produce enough power for the building. There are PV solar panels, installed on the roof of the center, as well as green rooms for rest. Building materials are recycled. The geothermal climate control system controls temperature and the level of humidity in the building.

By Astghik Atabekyan, www.building.am

Photos: www.kansastravel.org