University of Arkansas
Art+Design District

About this Project

Arkansas is known as the “natural state” and the University of Arkansas is keeping it that way! The new Art + Design District phase I is a LEED Silver project.  Green building best practices were followed from the beginning.  The building was constructed at the site of a former foundry and metal shop. Materials from the former establishment were carefully sorted during demolition and reused in the new building.   Everything from repurposed metal to ground concrete for a ground cover made this site almost refuse-free.

Translucent polycarbonate panels for LEED

As part of the LEED certification, daylighting is used wherever possible to conserve electricity used by artificial lights.  The Art + Design building includes more than 13 translucent polycarbonate panels supplied by Crystal Structures. The panels are 3′ wide x 18′ tall. Used instead of glass windows, these panels provide the artists and designers in the building with natural, diffused lighting to work with without harsh glares.