Our goal is to design & build a learning center that embodies the values of Eden Place
“To cultivate a passion for the environment within the youth of Chicago.”
Despite their continued success, Eden Place is in urgent need of a multi-use building that will serve both as a classroom and community gathering center for the Fuller Park neighborhood. Currently they have no permanent buildings and operate solely out of trailers and temporary shelters. That’s where we come in. It is our goal to give Eden Place a permanent classroom space that will enhance the educational experience and can be used year-round.
The building, roughly 750 square feet in size, will be able to accommodate a class of 25 students. A 16 foot long ‘kitchenette’ wall – incorporating functional custom cabinetry, a large sliding table, extended counter space and a sink - will act as the backdrop of the room and provide ample space for biology demonstrations, hands-on labs, or even entertainment for community functions. Nature Studio will also include the first bathroom with running water on site, which might well become the most popular attraction at Eden Place during events with 300 + people!
Nature Studio is designed to sit within a natural prairie habitat, adjacent to a shaded gathering space frequently used for picnics and campfires. With floor-to-ceiling glass doors, the southern façade will open to the prairie just outside, allowing nature to permeate the classroom. The building is also intended to act as a learning tool; the design will expose visitors to progressive ideas in energy efficient building and sustainable strategies.
