Raven Run Nature Center
Lexington, Kentucky
The nature center will replace a former tobacco stripping shed as the center of operations for a sanctuary that receives 35,000 visitors per year. The building nestles against the northern edge of a meadow. Orientation, window openings and roof overhang maximize passive solar advantage and natural ventilation. Peeled pine columns and manufactured heavy timber beams reflect the forested site and use renewable resources.

Visitors will enter the nature center from the wooded north into a space between the east (noisy classrooms) and west (quiet exhibits and library) wings. Here visitors have their first view of the meadow, framed by the wings of the center. This space provides a covered outdoor classroom where school children can be corralled before heading out on the trail. This area also features the impluvium, an ancient Roman term for a courtyard with a pool for catching rain water. The roofs slope to channel rain water into the pool, from which it is routed to a cistern and used for live animal exhibits.

The bird viewing tower, adjacent to the library at the west side of the building, has a wheelchair lift to allow access to all visitors. This is indicative of the center's mission: to make the natural world physically and intellectually accessible to everyone.

The Raven Run Nature Center is currently in process. Fund raising should be completed during 2001.

Return to Portfolio