Page 36 - ArchDC Spring_2017

ArchDC Spring 2017.qxp_Spring 2017 2/22/17 2:48 PM Page 34

Entry area with silo that collects rainwater for irrigation.
Photo by Jeffrey Totaro
Platinum status. The building also received a Presidential out in boats, and through the nature center to learn about the bay, its
“GreenGov” award for taking new steps to advance sustainability. habitats, pollution, and the promise of environmental preservation.
In alignment with the Smithsonian’s mission, “the increase EwingCole’s intensive architectural-engineering approach has
and diffusion of knowledge,” SERC is charged with helping to resulted in a building that is both educational and sustainable, and
restore the bay through research and education. Its programs have that promotes collaboration around the world on SERC projects.
produced key research contributing to restoration of blue crabs, As Hirsch put it: “The design is unabashedly modern and speaks
combatting mercury pollution, fighting invasive species, and filtering to the many directions that Smithsonian science may take. But the
nutrients with “riparian buffers” (streamside forests and wetlands) experience of being in the center of a great research campus is to
before they pollute the bay. Its education program reaches roughly be in a place where the built and natural systems cooperate—
10,000 children each summer. The young people, typically from almost as if they have always been together.”
kindergarten through 8th grade, are escorted down to the docks,

34 COLLABORATION ON THE CHESAPEAKE