Perkins + Will designed the center with walls of windows that offer a breathtaking view of University Circle.
“Our aim was to deliver an architecturally significant and environmentally sensitive university center,” said Mark Jolicoeur, the firm’s managing principal on the project.
This LEED Certified Gold facility features a ‘landscraper’ design, integrating the modern space into the surroundings. The green roof provides insulation to the building during the winter and summer, and the sedum plants assist with water retention and reclamation. Solar panels on the roof generate electricity and the glass facades of the Tink make the most of ambient light, thus reducing the load on the all-LED lighting systems within.
Radiant heating and cooling systems, in conjunction with the light management shades, reduce dependency on traditional HVAC systems to sustain ideal temperature ranges. The food court and restaurant within utilize local sustainable farm produce and employ pulping systems in cooperation with the University's farm. Recycling materials are fully integrated into all operations and even the run-off water from the green roof is collected, sand-filtered and returned for eventual use.