For design of the Martin Foundation Education Center, the client requested a building structure that was flexible and would embody key principles of flexibility and sustainable design. An innovative air displacement mechanical system was used to cut energy usage at the new center, and classrooms were proportioned to accommodate several different teaching formats (lecture, seminar, group project).

Columbia University supplemented its Earth Semester program at Biosphere II Center with an innovative Universe Semester. One of the master plan projects provides office and research space for the 24-hour observatory. The building included outdoor “star terraces” for public interpretive programs. Passive cooling technologies and natural materials were used to temper the harsh desert context, and reduce or eliminate thermal flows that might blur images captured by the 16-inch telescope.