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May 1, 2017
The Oregon Zoo' new Education Center in Portland opened in March.
The $18.7 million, 20,000-square-foot center focuses on environmental learning and activities. It forms an arc around a central plaza, with a learning landscape woven throughout.
The plaza and main space make up the Nature Exploration Station (NESt), which was designed with an open wood form inspired by the nests of small animals.
Visitors can explore insects, small animals and small habitats in the Nature Exploration Station. Interactive spaces include the Conservation Lab, the Insect Zoo and a 150-seat lecture hall.
The Nature Bird Forest offers hands-on activities, and a trail leads to the camp site with a fire pit and two large tents that can seat up to 100.
The center is designed for net-zero energy use, with passive ventilation cooling, solar panels, green roofs, rainwater collection for toilets, and salvaged materials in the gardens. It also has bird-friendly lights and fritted glass to help prevent bird strikes.
The project is pursuing LEED platinum certification and LBC Net-Zero Energy certification.
Owner: Oregon Zoo, Metro Portland
Co-design architect/Insect Zoo design/landscape architect: Jones & Jones Architects and Landscape Architects
Lead design architect: Opsis Architecture
Interpretive design: IQ Magic
Exhibit design: IQ Magic, Formations Inc.
Contractor: Fortis Construction
Other team members: Catena Consulting Engineers, KPFF Consulting Engineers, and PAE Consulting Engineers
Do you have photos of recent projects? Share them with DJC readers. Send high-resolution images and information to lisa.lannigan@djc.com.
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