gwwo constructs dupont environmental education center
image © robert creamer photography
all images courtesy of gwwo inc architects

 

 

 

in an ecologically sensitive site at the russell w. peterson urban wildlife refuge in delaware baltimore-based studio gwwo inc architects has designed the dupont environmental education center serving to spread awareness in the community as it stands as an architectural example of coexistence with the site. located along a preserved wetlands and tidal river system, the project carefully balances the surrounding environment and existing urban infrastructure. an elevated pedestrian bridge that minimizes the impact on the protected land and brings visitors over an aging railroad track before reaching the third floor of the timber structure. primarily built of glass and wood, the building sits unassuming on the site, allowing views of the surrounding green expanse that further strengthens the pedagogical nature of the program. an exterior circulation tower wrapped in slender wooden slats under a sweeping timber roof connects the four levels of the center. the ground floor, closest to the wetlands, contains a large classroom and viewing deck; above, offices and storage support the lobby and multipurpose hall on the top level, all of which enjoy balconies that look out onto the marshlands. 

gwwo constructs dupont environmental education center
existing railroad track and iron bridge traversing the immediate site
image © robert creamer photography

 

 

gwwo constructs dupont environmental education center
third-level lobby space flanked by large glass walls
image © robert creamer photography

 

 

gwwo constructs dupont environmental education center
exterior balconies under a deep overhanging roof enjoy plenty of views while providing shade for interior spaces
image © robert creamer photography

 

 

gwwo constructs dupont environmental education center
entrance into the building from the elevated bridge
image © robert creamer photography

 

 

 

drawings

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gwwo inc architects:dupont environmental education center
 
gwwo inc architects:dupont environmental education center
 
gwwo inc architects:dupont environmental education center
 
gwwo inc architects:dupont environmental education center
 
gwwo inc architects:dupont environmental education center