LG&E/KU Energy Education Center
Louisville, KY
The Louisville Gas and Electric Company (LG&E) and Kentucky Utilities Company (KU), a subsidiary of the PPL Corporation, engaged studioMUSarx to study the feasibility of an energy education resource center in Louisville, KY as part of their “energy education initiative.” Data gathering from various sites, exploration of new and existing building configurations, and investigation of audiences, exhibit content, and business plans were undertaken to yield an outcome-based primary recommendation for the utilities company. The developed 23,470 sf building concept is sited in downtown Louisville and is programed into exhibit, theater, office, classrooms, library, and conference spaces. Maintaining an interior filtered air environment with active chilled beams in a closed loop geothermal system, the building anticipates LEED gold certification and serves as a demonstration model for the company’s sustainable design initiatives, energy generation, and usage for the daily consumer.