CSU - SPUR - Vida Bldg.

The Vida building on Colorado State University’s Spur campus at the National Western Center in Denver, Colo., has officially achieved LEED Gold Certification. The state-of-the-art facility is open to the public and highlights the connection between animal and human health, with an emphasis on primary care for horses and smaller companion animals. It was specifically designed with flexible spaces that can be changed over time to meet the needs of the Spur campus and Vida users.

The abundant use of glass in Vida’s design creates a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces and invites visitors to immerse themselves in the programs and experiences within. Special attention was given to an informal procession through the public areas of the building that provides views into spaces where human and animal healthcare activities are occurring. A variety of spaces from exam and surgery to therapeutic riding and equine rehabilitation are available for public view. There are residence spaces located on the third floor as well.

Vida is also tied directly to the equine-assisted services (EAS) programs housed in the Temple Grandin Equine Center on CSU’s Fort Collins campus, which was also designed by Clark & Enersen. Both facilities now offer EAS in the program areas of physical, occupational, and speed therapy; mental health counseling; adaptive horsemanship and therapeutic riding; and equine-facilitated learning. Equine health specialists also provide medical and rehabilitation services onsite.

Additionally, Vida features a donor-subsidized veterinary hospital and various systems, technologies, exam rooms, and support spaces were incorporated into the design to support medical evaluations and procedures. Through close collaboration with CSU Spur stakeholders, our team was able to design a highly-interactive, public-facing facility that also provides first-class care for humans and animals.

Our firm incorporated numerous sustainable features into the design of Vida by focusing on providing alternative energy sources, improving energy efficiency, and using highly durable, recyclable, and sustainable materials during construction. Examples of sustainable design features include:

• 113-kilowatt DC, 255-panel photovoltaic solar energy system.
• Lighting occupancy sensors and digital lighting control.
• Self-powered, zero power consumption wireless systems.
• SubMeters and Energy Manager software for real-time data analysis.
• Terracotta cladding with 100-plus-year lifespan that is 100% recyclable.
• Thermally-modified wood with no chemicals used in production, 25-plus years of rot resistance.