Young At Art Museum Wins GOLD!

DAVIE, Fla. – The U.S. men’s and women’s teams competing across the pond brought home the gold. So did Young At Art Museum. On August 1, Young At Art Museum was awarded LEED® Gold Green Building Certification as established by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and verified by the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI).

“This prestigious designation is a crowning achievement for our fabulous new facility,” said Young At Art Museum founder and CEO Mindy Shrago. “We have achieved many program accolades over the 22-year journey to our new home, including accreditation by the American Association of Museums, and now to be recognized for our environmentally-conscious design and all of the green elements throughout the Museum is extremely gratifying.”

Young At Art Museum achieved LEED Gold certification for efficient energy use, water conservation and a variety of other sustainable strategies. By using less energy and water, LEED certified buildings reduce greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to a healthier community environment.

“Young At Art Museum’s LEED certification demonstrates tremendous green building leadership,” said Rick Fedrizzi, president, CEO and founding chair of USGBC.

Co-Designed by Glavovic Studio and AECOM, Young At Art Museum integrates beauty, function and energy efficiency with cantilevered walls, natural woods and maximum use of natural lighting throughout the facility. The architecture is a legible expression of the environmental qualities of the building: structural, mechanical, infrastructural and other systems are exposed to facilitate learning opportunities about the green building practices employed. In addition, the butterfly-angled roof and courtyard capture the daylight and natural ventilation. The building itself exemplifies Young At Art’s mission to provide inspiring, interactive experiences in which art is central to shaping young minds and enriching the community, as well as a commitment to conservation and recycling. It is both a work of art and a teaching tool, incorporating the latest environmental-conscious technologies.

“The many environmental aspects are an important aesthetic and functional expression of the architecture,” said Margi Glavovic Nothard, Project Designer at Glavovic Studio. “It’s wonderful that Young At Art Museum and Broward County Library received recognition as an exemplary example of sustainable design.”

LEED Gold certification was based on green design and construction features including:

  • Before clearing the site, as part of the wetlands and environment protection program, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers trained all workers to be aware of any endangered species such as the Eastern Indigo snake. While no snakes were found during the site clearing, the crew relocated raccoons, foxes, turtles, cats and other animals.
  • All bushes and trees removed were mulched on site, producing a total of 2,000 cubic yards of mulch.
  • YAA’s white reflective roof reduces building heat.
  • A 60,000 gallon cistern collects rain water, leading to a 58 percent reduction in potable water use.
  • Preferred parking spaces are available for low-emission, high occupancy vehicles.
  • Bicycle racks and showers are available for employees who pedal to work.
  • 20 percent of the materials used in the construction of the building came from local manufacturers within 500 miles of the site.
  • Maximum use of natural lighting throughout the museum adds to a 20 percent reduction in energy use.
  • 20 percent of new materials used in the project contained recycled content.
  • More than 50 percent of the wood used on the project was certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).
  • There are 35 different species of trees on the property including 17 that are native to Florida. There are 15 different types flowering trees and 21 species that are drought tolerant.

The Spinnaker Group, a Weston based sustainability consulting firm, provided sustainable design and construction consulting services as well as LEED consulting and commissioning for Young at Art.

“Attaining LEED Gold certification for this project truly was a remarkable team achievement,” said Robert Hink, USGBC Faculty, LEED AP Principal, The Spinnaker Group.

“This building was not LEED certified just to be able to put up a plaque but rather as an example for the future. The materials used ensure a healthy and safe learning environment for everyone using the facility. While we celebrate the certification today, the true impact of this building will remain strong far into the future.”

Young At Art Museum is the epicenter of cultural arts education for families and features four permanent galleries: GreenScapes, CultureScapes, WonderScapes and ArtScapes. The Young At Art Institute features a series of professionally equipped studios for drawing, painting, sculpture, animation, photography and film, printmaking, mixed media, digital computer and 4D video design. The new facility also includes a 10,000 square-foot Broward County Library, a National Traveling Exhibition Gallery, Teen Center and Recording Studio, a preschool and early childhood learning center, a Museum Gift Shop and the Toss Up Salads Café.

For more information about Young At Art Museum, call 954-424-0085 or visit YoungAtArtMuseum.org.

About the New Young At Art Museum
Young At Art is located at 751 SW 121 Ave. in Davie. Hours are Monday through Thursday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is $13 per person; $12 for seniors and children over age 1 and $11 for Broward County residents. For more Museum membership and other information, call 954-424-0085 or visit YoungAtArtMuseum.org.

Funding for this organization is provided in part by the Broward County Board of County Commissioners as recommended by the Broward Cultural Council. Sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture; and the generous support of corporations, foundations, individuals, museum members.