Artists For Humanity EpiCenter

The non-profit Artists for Humanity’s mission is “to bridge economic, racial, and social divisions by providing at-risk youth with the keys to self-sufficiency through paid employment in the arts.” The organization is built on the philosophy that art is a powerful force for social change and that creative entrepreneurship is a life-changing and productive opportunity for young people.

The 22,500 SF Epicenter reflects the client’s identity as a cutting-edge, socially and environmentally conscious organization, providing studio space for painting, photography, sculpture, silk-screen, and graphic design. The approximately 7,000 SF multi-purpose gallery and exhibit hall can transform between studio space and event venue, providing flexibility to adapt to the organization’s needs for program space.

The limited budget required creative design strategies and the use of inexpensive materials to create an open and inviting space. Natural daylight and a passive cooling system reduce operational costs and create a highly sustainable building. An important project goal was to maximize renewable energy generation and to minimize energy consumption. A grant for the photovoltaic array was provided by the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative.