The Heimbold Visuat Arts Center

Heimbold Visual Arts Center

One of the first environmentally responsible visual arts buildings in the country
The first LEED-certified (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) college or university visual arts building
The first LEED-certified college building of any kind in New York State.
Received a Top Ten Green Projects Award from the American Institute of Architects (AIA) in 2005

Site preparation involved blasting into the Yonkers bedrock; much of the excavated rock was recycled as gravel and other building material used during construction
Wherever possible, local products were used to construct Heimbold; even the steel was manufactured within 500 miles
Buying locally reduced the environmental impact of transportation and helped support the local economy
Non-toxic building materials were used to reduce odors and irritants
Certified and sustainable wood products were used in building and furnishing Heimbold
Natural cork flooring has been incorporated throughout Heimbold, and the auditorium seats are constructed of non-traditional materials

More than half of the 61,000 square feet of classrooms, auditoriums, studios, and gallery spaces are located underground
Eight underground wells provide a geothermal heating and cooling system for the building
Landscaped rooftop terraces double as gardens and mimic the earth’s natural atmospheric cooling and also control storm water runoff
Skylights, glass walls, and open spaces let in abundant natural light, minimizing the need for energy-consuming artificial lighting
Motion-detecting light fixtures as well as strategic “low-lighting” are utilized wherever possible to ensure that electricity isn’t wasted in empty rooms
Furnished with environmentally responsible HVAC, refrigeration, and fire suppression equipment that does not use toxic gases
High-powered ventilation systems meet the unique needs of a visual arts space
Energy use is expected to be about 40% less than that of traditionally constructed buildings