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Bryan Innovation Lab at The Steward School Henrico, VA •

Completion Date
2013
Square Footage
6,300
Services Provided
  • Architecture
  • Landscape Architecture
  • Interior Design
Recognition
  • 2015 • US Department of Education Green Ribbon School Award
  • 2015 • AIA Richmond Design Award
  • 2014 • Governor’s Environmental Excellence Award
  • 2014 • Crystal Award for Excellence in Business & Sustainability Best Practices by Energy & Sustainability Conference East Conference
  • 2014 • Partners in the Arts Grant from University of Richmond
  • 2014 • Tricycle Gardens Golden Trowel Award, Certificate of Recognition
  • 2013 • VAIS Go Green Virginia Challenge, First Place

Process

The design of the Bryan Innovation Lab (“the Lab”), an indoor-outdoor environmental complex on the campus of the Steward School, facilitates a progressive, interdisciplinary program with contemporary, sustainable building form and site development. The program for the Lab, envisioned as a “field trip on campus,” was developed incrementally with the designers as site and building progressed from conception to construction. The Lab has a dual fold purpose as an experiential laboratory where students can explore and experiment, and as event space and community destination for gatherings on innovation and creativity.

The Lab’s program was conceived as an extension of the scientific method, providing places for Observation (wetlands site, exposed construction and systems), Hypothesis (classrooms and library), Testing (laboratory, kitchen, garden, outdoor work spaces) and Conclusion (exhibition and event spaces). Offering a break from traditional classroom methods, the Lab facilitates focus on real-world issues of sustainability: the natural and built environment, energy and resources, health and wellness.

Gallery