Darien, CT

With the opportunity to build its own new facility in Darien’s historic Cherry Lawn Park, the Nature Center encountered community resistance. AKV’s participatory planning and conceptual design workshops provided an important public forum to engage the community and align the town leadership in support of this project.  Workshops enabled the community to reach a definition of “good neighbor” and gain consensus on the best use of the public realm.

The image of a traditional New England barn was widely embraced by the community. The philosophy of the Nature Center, stewardship of the natural environment, is visible in the two-story timber frame structure. Resource efficient finishes and materials, use of abundant natural light, and site orientation teach about sustainable design. One of the most prominent elements is the 50-year roof, made from 100% recycled tires. 

The timber frame —a celebration of traditional craftsmanship—is the major design element of the Changing Seasons Gallery which has become a coveted space for community events and receptions. Other offerings include the Milky Way Meeting Room, Natural Science Library and Wild Things Animal Habitat Room.  On the lower level, four themed children’s program rooms are distinctive spaces with exposed timber frame and face the fields, trees and trails of Cherry Lawn Park. These are linked by the Small Wonder’s Gallery with its real animal tracks and leaves imprinted in the bomanite floor.