The Alfond Coastal Research Center Receives Merit Award at AIA New England Design Awards
Flansburgh Architects is honored to announce that the Bill ’67 and Peter ’71 Alfond Coastal Research Center at The Governor’s Academy has been recognized with a Merit Award. The award was presented at the annual AIA New England Design Awards ceremony, hosted by AIA Maine last weekend in Portland, Maine. Members of the design team were joined at the event by Jon Douglas, CFO of Governor’s Academy, to celebrate this achievement.
The jury shared the following comments about the project.
Thoughtfully and accessibly sited within the sprawling Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, the Coastal Research Center employs a material and detailing strategy along with multi-sensory and highly immersive learning environment. One that may create a higher level of awareness of the visitor’s surroundings. Even with photographs alone this building evokes those sensory feelings; that it will inspire deep connections to the world that it aims to help to protect. The Center is situated in the Refuge’s complex landscape in a way that communicates a lite touch, a subtle presence, and that offers an orienting, panoramic view over the landscape and varied watercourse biomes, promising a rich hands-on learning experience. The building’s use of sustainable materials, passive cooling strategies, and educational features like bio-swales and a floating dock reflect a commitment to both ecological stewardship and community engagement.