Architects of the E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center Receive Top Honors at 2010 Design Awards

Freeport, Florida – The designers of the E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center at Nokuse Plantation received the 2010 AIA Design Award. Wallrapp Architecture & Interior Design and pv+r accepted the award Friday, July 16 at the Lion’s Eye Institute in Ybor City Tampa, Florida. The design awards drew 54 entries this year and approximately 180 attendees were present to witness the presentation of 15 awards of merit and honor. The awards were juried by award-winning Fort Lauderdale architects.

The facilities and infrastructure of this year’s AIA Design Award were designed taking into consideration the mission of the Biophilia Center, which encourages conservation, preservation, and restoration of biodiversity and promotes sustainable balanced ecosystems. Buildings consist of an auditorium, nature center, and classrooms that house interpretative exhibits about wildlife, insects, plants, and other aspects of local native communities. Extensive nature trails curve through areas undergoing ecological restoration on the nature preserve. The facilities were built to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Standards. The standards were met by the designers through such design considerations as the orientation of the buildings, use of energy efficient lighting and low volatile organic carbon or VOC (non-toxic) paints, retention and conservation of water, and incorporation of recycled construction debris.

Receipt of this award exemplifies what students, educators, and conservationists have to say about their unique learning and teaching experiences at the Center. Charles Pattison, President of 1000 Friends of Florida said about a recent visit "What a magnificent facility! You have created a shining example for the kind of setting that promotes the learning experience for which E.O. Wilson has dedicated his life.”