Located on the CSU Spur Camus at the National Western Center (Colorado State University), the HYDRO Building by Architect Hord Coplan Macht (HCM) and Smith Group as Associate Architect is a water-inspired facility created to offer experiential learning opportunities to visitors of all ages.
The unique facility teaches visitors about water conservation via public art installations and various educational exhibits. Further, views into professional active scientific research laboratories tell the story of One Water – a concept that emphasizes how our planet has a finite amount of water, making it an essential resource that needs to be efficiently used and reused whenever possible.
The building draws the public to a spacious entry lobby, connected over three levels with a spiral stair influenced by the forms of a river eddy. These feature stairs encourage building users to use the stairs actively and provide exhibits and scenic views over the National Western Center Grand Plaza.
The dynamic façade design features a flowing metal scrim sunshade. The water-inspired metal scrim springs from the ground at the front doors of HYDRO. The façade feature then flows down Bettie Cram Drive and the National Western Drive along the building’s face, indicating entry into the large front lobby. Once inside, visitors will see various hands-on water-themed exhibits, a café, a 200-seat Flex Event Theatre, views into a working science lab, and a hands-on teaching classroom dedicated to water education.
Outside, the landscape design tells the story of Colorado as a Headwater State and highlights each of the eight watersheds in Colorado. The design maximizes outdoor open space and preserves the historic McConnell Welders building, which is also on the site.
