Projects: Academic, Public
Ocean Discovery Institute
San Diego, California
Ocean Discovery Institute Living Lab is located at the gateway of Manzanita Canyon and is a joint-use project with the San Diego Unified School District. The project provides science education to students from 13 public schools, creating a focal point for ocean and canyon science education and exploration, scientific research, and environmental appreciation and stewardship.
The project includes a dry and wet lab, offices, meeting rooms, commercial kitchen, outdoor teaching features, gathering spaces for media presentations, art work, nature play, and increased accessibility to the canyon’s open space. Every aspect of the Living Lab is used to facilitate learning about science and conservation.
The Living Lab is environmentally sustainable and seamlessly integrated with the natural and cultural environment. The design is intended to be a role model for sustainability for the community, the region and beyond. It will serve as a teaching tool for sustainability by showcasing systems that can be replicated by visitors throughout the community. The goal is to achieve a LEED platinum rating. Sustainability features include zero net energy use enhanced with passive cooling, heating and ventilation; a grey water system so only non-potable water is used for permanent irrigation; and the use of recycled, reclaimed and regional materials.
"When we set out to design the Living Lab, achieving zero net energy was an important goal. As an organization that promotes environmental stewardship with our students in City Heights, we wanted to 'walk the walk' and make sure our building was sustainable. We chose to work with Rob Quigley in part, because he has always been at the forefront of sustainable design. In this project he combined his inherent design inventiveness with real environmental data inputs to inform how the building could meet our goals. Rob coordinated a team of experts to ensure achieving zero net energy was a priority throughout. He met and exceeded our goals and made sure our dream of a zero net energy Living Lab became a reality. We can't wait to welcome 20,000 children to this exceptional space!"
Shara Fisler, Executive Director of the Ocean Discovery Institute
Facts & Figures
ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES: COMMUNITY WORKSHOPS, PROGRAMMING, CONCEPTUAL DESIGN THROUGH CONSTRUCTION, DSA, CITY ENTITLEMENT PROCESS, NET ZERO ENERGY, TARGETED FOR LEED PLATINUM
Client: Ocean Discovery Institute and San Diego Unified School District