Children's Learning Center

Opportunity: Design work has begun on the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Children’s Learning Center. The new facility, as part of the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Children’s Campus, will house nature-based educational programs for children, families, and the public.  The 20,000sf  program consists of classrooms, a greenhouse, a library, and administrative areas as well as outdoor learning areas.

Solution: Striving to achieve LEED Platinum/Net Zero status, Booth Hansen is working closely with the Rocky Mountain Institute to incorporate science and design strategies to minimize environmental impact while maximizing teaching opportunities.  Massing, building siting, daylighting, passive solar control and rain-water collection are just a few of the strategies being studied.

Value: The center, while reflecting the Garden’s commitment to sustainable practices, will seamlessly integrate into the landscape and evoke educational principles being taught in the building.

Team:
Design: Todd Stevens, Larry Booth, Heidi Hagen
Management: Charlie Stetson
Technical: John Birazzi