2008 Awards

HONOR AWARD - Landscape Architectural Design

The WILD Center/ The Natural History Museum of the Adirondacks, Tupper Lake, NY 

The HOK Planning Group
www.hok.com

This LEED Silver certified project was inspired by the best traditions of classic Adirondack’s design vocabulary, and is realized through an imaginative integration of dramatic exterior and interior spaces. The site provides abundant opportunities to view the variety of ecosystems, flora and fauna. Like the architecture of the museum, water is used as a central organizing element.  The three acre pond was created to support wetlands that can attract birds, amphibians, small mammals, fish and insects as well as providing a stunning backdrop to the museum. A system of accessible walking paths, boardwalks and bridges meander around the site to coincide with unique existing features. The bio-diversity of the site is used by staff naturalists on walking tours as it contributes to the fulfillment of the museums mission by educating the public. With LEED Silver certification in 2008,  it became the first certified museum in New York State.