San Diego National Wildlife Refuge Complex
SAN DIEGO NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE COMPLEX
Line and Space, LLC
ARCHITECTS
Line and Space, LLC
YEAR
2010
LOCATION
San Diego, CA, United States
TYPE
Government + Health › Community Center
As a “portal” to San Diego Bay’s ecologically unique Sweetwater Marsh, the new Administrative Headquarters for the US Fish and Wildlife Service provides a collaborative facility where in-house wildlife biologists and environmental education specialists perform work and analysis within the habitat.
The light, open design offers a strong connection to the inspirational landscape while the multi-purpose Resource Room supports expanded environmental education programs.
Integral interpretation enhances the visitor experience and is hoped to increase usage and appreciation of the Refuge’s trails.
Design of the LEED Gold project is highly influenced by site forces and resource conservation.
Features include a 30 kW photovoltaic array, proper solar orientation, natural daylighting, passive heating and cooling techniques, and water harvesting.
Concern for off-site views drove a low-profile structure that is in harmony with the land.
The goal of mitigating bird strikes on windows directly influenced the architecture in the form of downward-angled glass so panes reflect ground rather sky.
