Whittingham Discovery Center Concept

As part of an effort to reclaim and rehabilitate 28-acres of blighted parkland in the heart of downtown Stamford, the Mill River Park Collaborative (MRPC) issued an RFP for a new facility that would function as an interactive learning and development center for educational programs in the park. The MRPC indicated the project’s form must be such that it can be considered a work of art. In addition to creating a place of enduring appeal that engages and holds the eye of the observer, the building would include facilities to interactive exhibits, functional classrooms/labs, support areas for an adjacent ice-skating rink, carry out café, office and support spaces for employees.

Designed to function as both an integral part of the landscape and a dynamic object within an urban space, the Discovery Center was intended to promote ecological diversity and restoration of an important public resource.

The exterior features an intensive green roof with an 18-inch medium-depth planting system, iridescent champagne-gray metal roof fascia panels, and curtain wall glazing. The bleachers are constructed with FSC-certified exterior-grade wood.

The interior features an insulated and polished slab-on-grade floor, glu-laminated wood beams, and an exposed composite slab-on-deck ceiling. The MEP systems are exposed.

Sustainability strategies include optimized building orientation, south-facing glazing with external shading provided by a photovoltaic brise soleil, an intensive green roof, stormwater retention, reduction of the urban heat island effect, and water detention for graywater reuse.

Awards

2019 AIA Connecticut Unbuilt Design Excellence Award