Art Omi contracted Bright Power for the LEED^® certification of a new visitor's center for The Fields Sculpture Park. The Charles B. Benenson Visitors Center & Gallery received LEED Silver certification in March 2009. Art Omi is an international arts center for visual artists, writers, musicians, and dancers as well as the site for The Fields Sculpture Park.

The Charles B. Benenson Visitor's Center & Gallery is an environmentally progressive structure that showcases state-of-the-art "green" systems including a planted roof for reduction of heat load and management of roof water runoff, solar photovoltaic panels, and daylight sensors to adjust interior lighting levels. The design also includes operable windows for natural fresh air ventilation and uses of recycled and locally-harvested materials. The building is a study in natural textures and innovative contemporary form with glass set against natural stone walls. Bright Power's LEED Accredited Professional consultants worked with f:t architecture + interiors to incorporate green building elements into the design and to facilitate the LEED certification process.

The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) green building certification program is the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction, and operation of green buildings. LEED promotes a whole-building approach to sustainability by recognizing performance in five key areas of human and environmental health: sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection, and indoor environmental quality.

Art Omi Website

Monday LEEDoff: Art Omi Visitors Center & Gallery, www.greenbuildingsnyc.org, 4/14/2008

Omi International Picks Green Option, Indenews.com, 4/11/2008