Chenango Valley Central School District Outdoor Learning Center

Binghamton, New York

Firm

IBI Group

Client

Chenango Valley Central School District

Area

1,240 sq.ft.

Total Cost

$784,534

Completion Date

01/2020

Van Zandbergen Photography

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Design Team
Steve Thesier RA, LEED AP BD+C; Dave Geist; Ryan Cullen; Dan Igo, PE; Ron Yates, PE, LEED AP, CAPD

IBI Group designed an Outdoor Learning Center for Chenango Valley Central School District. The district’s goal for this project was to expand the capabilities of its science programs and create access to an outdoor learning environment. The design took advantage of a large habitat stormwater pond on the middle/high school campus. The building was sited adjacent to the pond and contains both indoor and outdoor instructional areas. A large overhead door was incorporated into the design and creates a flexible learning space that bridges indoor instruction with the outdoor environment. A large dock provides easy access to a multitude of species in the pond.

The Learning Center has created opportunities for the science department to study lake eutrophication, water limnology, changing water chemistry as the seasons progress from winter to summer, animal track and plant identification, cataloging of observed bird species, and more. The Learning Center has also transformed the plein air painting unit for the art department. The department has spent extensive time learning acrylic media through painting the natural scenery surrounding the Learning Center.