Kansas City's Parks and Rec Department, in conjunction with the Missouri Department of Conservation, commissioned IAA to design a new nature center in Swope Park. The program specified a new facility consisting of exhibition space, large fish and reptile aquariums, classrooms with AV support rooms, staff offices, and an animal rehabilitation center. A major priority was also an environmentally responsible building that was integrated with the site, and which conveyed the spirit of environmental education, conservation, and wildlife recovery.
The notion of environmental conservation was at the forefront of IAA’s agenda. Lakeside Nature Center was planned with the notion of minimal site disturbance, passive solar design, energy management systems, and sustainable materials. As a result of carefully attending to these key technical issues, the resulting building harmonizes with its surroundings and fosters its purpose to educate and energize its patrons to be stewards of their surrounding environment and wildlife.
RECOGNITION:
Chicago Athenaeum - Museum of Architecture and Design: American Architecture Award
AIA Kansas City: Allied Arts & Craftsmanship Award
AIA Kansas City: Design Honor Award
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