Colorado Real Estate Journal -
In today’s new economy, which demands creativity and innovative approaches, tenants look for a workplace that will be not only a shared space, but also an environment that inspires employees to do their best work. As a building owner or property manager, a focus on creative environments enables you to attract new tenants, retain your existing clients and distinguish your building from the competition. Art has the power to transform a simple workspace into an unforgettable experience. Artwork is a key element to establish an attractive space. While some artwork is valued at prices with four to six zeros, most is not. There are many excellent and affordable artists in our region. In the new economy, art is no longer a symbol of status, but a tool to inspire. Great artists have the ability to create works that alter our perception of a subject. By seeing the world from a different perspective, we approach our work differently. Art promotes and celebrates creative problem solving and innovative thinking.
The role of artwork extends beyond décor. It has the power to carry the architect’s vision to a new level and create a memorable experience for the viewer. Original artwork was an important element in the recent redesign of the lobby at 707 17th Street, owned by Crescent Real Estate Holdings. Explaining the value original art brings to this building, Chairman and CEO John Goff stated, “Art evokes different reactions for each individual, and it is crucial to consider not just the audience but also the environment in which it will live. That is why we worked together with Nine dot Arts and the architect to select original art for the new lobby design. Each piece was selected with the objective of complementing the new lobby, adding that perfect, final element of color and energy that would enhance the architectural design of the building. Crescent’s emphasis on art as a contributing factor to the quality of our building environments make our properties premier locations in each market.” The architect, Scott Rigsby of Acquilano Leslie, wanted to increase the amount of light in the lobby to make the space feel more inviting, open and contemporary. He redesigned the entrance façade and window systems to flood the space with light, changed ceiling elements to create a more open and spacious feeling, and added beautiful eucalyptus wood panels to replace dark stone elements; new lighting and furnishings round out the design. Crescent and Acquilano Leslie purchased artwork that accomplished the goals for the remodel. For the main sculpture piece, light was a key component. They selected regional artist Robin Stanaway’s proposal for a ceiling installation of a glass mobile due to the way it captured and played with the light in the space. The glass pieces cast a rainbow of reflections that dance across the ceiling as the mobiles slowly move with the air currents in the space. Due to movement and shifts in light, the piece is constantly changing and is experienced differently each time it is viewed. This piece creates an experience that highlights the architect’s vision of an open and light-filled space. It is more than a decoration; instead, it is a tool to creating a unique environment. Original art attracts attention and is appealing to tenants and investors. The effect of art is measurable. Buildings with original artwork in Denver have an average occupancy rate of 85 percent. As our cities grow and there is an increase in tall buildings, artwork is an essential element to any new building or redesign project. Original art has the power to transform an environment into a memorable experience.