studies . Raghu ran a company called Ship Express , which General Electric eventually acquired . Their youngest child is benefiting from time spent at The Link tinkering with Legos ® and exploring the field of robotics .
The Link serves all ages . Some of their
Raghu Misra activity and class offerings include Pilates , fencing , STEM , performing arts and speaker series . Another feature housed on-site is the Flagler Health + 360 Immersive Studio . It displays virtual reality environments that foster learning and entertainment . “ We … are coming up with content in the Flagler Health + 360 degree Immersive Studio in the field of technology , education , therapy , training , gaming , etc .,” relates Gurpreet .
To get the most out of these programs , locals can purchase a variety of memberships . Along these lines , Gurpreet explains that “ our vision is to have activities across ages ( on the first floor ) as well as … a professional co-work / innovation hub on the second floor . The building has spaces that were designed to allow multiple activities to take place at the same time .” By connecting instructors , small businesses and families , various collaborations can be hosted , such as board meetings , parties and workshops .
From the moment one enters The Link , an arresting sensory experience begins . Generous natural light streams into the building thanks to several glass facades . An elephant sculpture made of tens of thousands of flips flops that washed ashore on the Indian Ocean caught my eye straight away . Similar dolphin and giraffe sculptures are strewn throughout both stories of the community hub . The sculptures were made by some 175 artists in Kenya . The Link ’ s environmental stewardship does not stop at recycled art pieces , though . Their commitment to sustainability can also be seen in a cutting-edge climate control system that counts the number of people in various rooms to intuitively adjust temperatures . It is also nearly impossible to leave a light on longer than needed as suites are generally dark until entry motion is detected . Our community can feel good about being part of an institution that leaves such a responsible footprint . In fact , The Link is on its way to obtaining gold-level LEED certification .
The Link achieves all the above while maintaining aesthetic and architectural cohesion . The walls currently showcase fitting works from collage artist Suzanne Schenk . At first glance , her pieces may seem to be paintings . But really , they are an amalgamation of unlikely parts . Finding beauty in the overlooked , she uses discarded materials to compose treasured landscapes . Much like The Link , Suzanne ’ s work leaves a minimal carbon footprint . An apropos collaboration for sure .
Just beyond the foyer is a stage boasting a 10x20 foot screen with versatile uses . When the space is rented , one could host
Above top : An improv show ; Above bottom : The Link ’ s exterior
an Olympic games viewing party , for instance . This stage area could also host comedians , authors , improvisers , filmmakers or musicians . The founders hope to foster an environment where these performers would not only display their work but also offer deep dives into their respective creative processes . Imagine an area high school ’ s film academy , for instance . Their students would ideally have opportunities to meet local professional filmmakers and discuss the framing , composition and lighting that led to the finished product on display .
It will be remarkable to see how our new Nocatee neighbors continue to make use of The Link ’ s offerings . This is an establishment uniquely poised to meet the demands and nuance of future innovation head-on .
Teddy Regis holds degrees in English and Communication from Flagler College . He has worked as a sign language interpreter for seven years .
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