Colorado Mesa University Asteria Theater Wins 2024 Green Globes Project of the Year Award
We are thrilled to announce that our Colorado Mesa University Asteria Theater project has been honored with the prestigious 2024 Green Globes Project of the Year Award. This recognition celebrates excellence in sustainable, healthy, and resilient building design—acknowledging our team's innovative approach to integrating high-performance systems within a world-class performing arts venue. The journey to achieve Three Green Globes certification represents countless hours of collaboration between our dedicated design team, the visionary leadership at Colorado Mesa University, our partners at Shaw Construction, and the sustainability experts at Group14. Together, we've created a space where performance and sustainability exist in perfect harmony.
The Asteria Theater stands as Colorado Mesa University's first performance venue powered by geothermal energy, drawing from a campus-wide loop that harnesses the earth's natural heating and cooling capabilities. This 860-seat performing arts venue presented a fascinating design challenge: how to create an acoustically superior space with specialized lighting requirements while simultaneously pushing the boundaries of energy efficiency and environmental stewardship. The theater features three seating levels, a mechanized orchestra pit, adjustable acoustics, and elevated event spaces including a private club level and rooftop deck—all designed to serve as both a community gateway and student training ground.
What makes this project truly unique is the seamless integration of sustainability with the specialized demands of a performing arts venue. Theaters traditionally consume significant energy resources due to their strict climate control requirements, specialized lighting systems, and unique acoustic needs. We approached these challenges by employing an integrated design process from the earliest stages, bringing together experts across disciplines to create innovative solutions. The result is a 36% reduction in indoor water usage through WaterSense plumbing fixtures, energy-efficient LED lighting systems with specialized controls that accommodate both performance and daily use scenarios, drought-tolerant landscaping that minimizes irrigation needs, and treated glazing that reduces bird strikes—all managed through a sophisticated building automation system.
The success of this project demonstrates what's possible when clear client vision meets collaborative problem-solving. CMU's leadership provided quick decisions and clear communication throughout the process, while our integrated design team ensured that sustainability measures enhanced rather than compromised the theater's primary function. Shaw Construction's expertise in executing complex sustainable systems proved invaluable, and Group14's specialized tracking systems kept the certification process on course even as we navigated the unique challenges of a performing arts venue. The Asteria Theater now serves as both a showcase for sustainable design and a place where the next generation of performers can hone their craft in a space that reflects their values.
For more information about the award, and to see past winners, please visit The Green Building Initiative’s website.
https://thegbi.org/projectoftheyear/
