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5/5
I've had the pleasure of participating in an exercise research study based in the Anschutz Health Sciences Building. I use the research gym on the 6th floor. It's filled with lots of state of the art treadmills and exercise equipment. The treadmills face the west windows and offer stunning views of Downtown Denver and the Rocky Mountains.
Once I'm done with my workout I often use the stairs rather than the elevator to return to the first floor. They're integrated with the center atrium, not tucked away in some dark corner like they are in most buildings. They're designed in such a way that draws you to them. For the upper floors, the stairs are bathed in sunlight and surrounded by artwork that spans several floors. The stairs from the third floor down form a grand staircase that is integrated into a series of stepped levels of "hang-out" spaces with casual seating. But rearrange the seating, and bring in some more chairs and the stepped levels transform into an amphitheater in the center of the atrium.
Most buildings are built to fulfill certain functions, and offer little in the form of inspiration. But the Anschutz Health Sciences Building is different. It integrates form with function in such a way that the building itself seems to invoke a positive feeling. From the rooftop patio with views of the entire Front Range, to the lounge seating in the center of the seven story atrium filled with lush vegetation, there is a lot to draw your attention and fill you with a sense of calmness and optimism. If it's possible for architecture to emotionally move people, the Anschutz Health Sciences Building does exactly that, in a subtle yet noticeable way.
