“Comprehensive planning approach for rebuilding an environmental learning center” – Holcim Awards Jury
This project was commended due to its comprehensive planning approach for rebuilding an environmental learning center which has been degraded over the years and damaged by frequent, serious flooding. The responsible entities took advantage of this need for complete reconstruction and developed an overall master plan that assures a maximum preservation of the surrounding natural ecological reserve land and also demonstrates state-of-the-art in sustainable construction.
Last updated: July 01, 2008 Cambridge, MA, USA
As a result, the new school and exhibition buildings will be completely self-reliant and fulfill net zero energy and net zero CO2 requirements. The elevated buildings offer free view and access to the beautiful nature in the neighborhood and avoid potential future damage from flooding. In addition, the building components and systems will become part of the learning experience and therefore fundamentally change the educational concept.