Three Rivers Park District’s goal for the new Eastman Nature Center is to create a stimulating learning environment that heightens the awareness of nature in a highly sustainable building.
The design integrates site, building, and exhibit design in order to create a holistic visitor experience in the forest. A long south facing glass facade brings in light, passive solar energy, and extends the exterior paths through the building from the understory on one end to the tree canopy on the other. An active solar array and a geothermal-based heating and cooling system provide much of the energy needs. Operable windows provide ventilation and bring in the sounds and smells of the forest. Roof water feeds a pond to draw birds and animals for human observation.
