DIME Denver

Metropolitan State University of Denver

DIME (Detroit Institute of Music Education) Denver is a unique, non-traditional approach for the development of raw passionate musical talent. Originally from the UK, DIME Denver is a wholistic approach to music education with a focus on not only students’ performance talents, but business, promotions, and production. A partnership with MSU Denver allowed for this “garage band” program to be located off campus to align with students’ needs. Located in Denver’s Santa Fe Arts District, an enclosed stand-alone gas station became the perfect environment to develop the raw talent of DIME. However, space separation and definition needed to be achieved within this large open box building allowing for acoustic separation, so that areas would perform like a music studio or concert hall. 

The building layout needed to have separation and security to allow education during the day and studio and live concerts during evening and weekends.

Studio classrooms incorporate graphic representations of musical artists while providing studio quality sound. The student “hang space” is equipped with a stage for impromptu jam sessions. The live performance workshop is a fully functional performance hall that utilizes brick walls, open rafters and bleachers to create a unique inspirational setting. Also incorporated are offices, workspaces and conference rooms for use by students for learning and work study associated with business, promotions and music productions.

Location

Denver, Colorado

Completed

January 2019

Area

11,080 sf

Awards

Silver Citation, American School & University Educational Interiors Showcase 2019