2018 Directory

40 WYOMING ARCHITECTURE .18 | www.aia-wyoming.org National Architecture Week Laramie Tours Continued UWHigh Altitude Training Center T he University of Wyoming High Altitude Performance Center is a specific use facility catering to a wide vari- ety of Athletic programs. Designed to be a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver certified building, it contains many sustainable design components. This tour allowed participants to observe the installation of these components as well as how an existing facility is ex- panded and repurposed. The tour explained how exceptions found in the current fire code were utilized to provide code compliance, while keeping costs as low as possible. b O n the chilly afternoon of April 6th, 2018, Arete Design Group hosted a tour of the mostly completed WYO Performing Arts and Education Center as part of a series of tours celebrating Nation- al Architecture Week. There were approximately 10-12 people attending. A brief history of the historic Masonic building was given and background on the decision to combine it with the adjacent WYOTheater was shared. The project was a result of a shared vi- sion between the Theater and Sheridan College to provide a facility that could enhance the theatrical offerings and education within the community. The design goals for the project were highlighted during the tour point- ing out how the design provided an expanded lobby and better box office space, tied into the stage to give additional wing space and provid- ed rehearsal and classrooms spaces that could be used by the theater, the college, and rented out for additional revenue generation. The additional goal of providing office space for the WYO staff is still awaiting additional funding but the space that has been al- located for it was viewed. Additional- ly, the tour looked behind the scenes at the ‘bones’ of the historic building to see how the structure was modified to create the opening between buildings, provide more open spaces and create better accessible vertical circulation (stair and elevator added). Discus- sions were had relative to respecting historic nature of building, blending new spaces tying into existing, but still providing a modern appeal. b WYO Performing Arts and Education Center Sheridan Tours