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November 2015

State of change

The signs are everywhere: housing prices, crowded commutes, busy bike trails, building construction, new job opportunities. Colorado, and Adams County within it, is experiencing a distinct population growth that impacts the ways in which residents live, work and commute. The fast pace at which these communities are changing leads to some unintentional concerns and organizations looking for solutions. 

Let’s start with the numbers.

Homeless to home

When we caught up with Albert Mitchell, it was 11 am, and he had just finished a 12-hour shift at work. Mitchell, a Brighton, Colo., resident with two kids, will head home to sleep afterward. But for Mitchell, “home” hasn’t always been so clearly defined. As an adult who has struggled to find stable housing in the past, he’s experienced homelessness and the transition out of it. Mitchell sat down to share his story and thoughts about the stereotypes surrounding those in transitional housing. 

Pedal power

The bicycle is one of the most efficient machines in existence that converts human power into kinetic energy. This energy can be redirected into different outputs. 

At Anythink, we’ve created our own fleet of Take Charge bikes, set up to harness the energy generated by human power and convert it into electricity. 

Transformation in the garden

I found a unique art exhibit on a recent trip to New Mexico – “Origami in the Garden” by artist Kevin Box. I have been making paper crane earrings for a while, and was intrigued at seeing the traditional art form of paper folding on a larger scale. 

Exploring horror

It’s a busy Thursday afternoon at Anythink York Street. The library, which is housed on the Mapleton Public Schools’ Skyview Campus in Thornton, Colo., is filled with students of all ages who’ve just finished the school day. Many of them talk or hop online. A few are starting the evening’s homework. But over the course of an hour, seven students drop into a meeting room where the conversations revolve around one topic – horror.

Meditating on land

I almost quit when I saw the snake skin.

Like ran from the field, screaming, quit.

I knew working on a farm would force me to face my fears of the outdoors. Fears of slithering and crawling creatures that might be hiding just out of sight. Fears that have a grown woman belting “Let It Go” as she walks down a wooded path to keep unwanted visitors away. Fears of being completely in nature, no concrete in sight. Being surrounded by dirt and having very clear evidence of a snake’s presence was enough to send me pretty close to the panic point.

Participatory spaces

The leading idea about the building is that the library space is a covered urban space – and this space is for people, not just books.

A hybrid library space

Dokk1 is Scandinavia’s largest public library and represents a new generation of modern hybrid libraries. In this urban space, there are many opportunities for experience, learning, activity and contemplation. One of the core values behind the project is to create a building that bridges citizens, technology and knowledge.

Transforming your space

Most people think of spring as a time of change, but really any time that you are inspired is the time to respond. Here are three ways to instigate positive transformation in your workplace or home. 

1. Take down those walls

The office environment has moved from private work areas to collaborative spaces. Remove the barriers and make it easier for people to share ideas. 

If you open up your living area, the family can be together more and your home will feel larger and brighter.