Lewis (Adam Joseph) Center for Environmental Studies

Date

2000-present

Location

122 Elm Street

Architects/Collaborators

William McDonough + Partners, Charlottesville, VA (architects)
CT Consultants, Inc., Lorain, OH (civil engineer);
Mosser Construction, Inc., Fremont, OH (contractor)
John Lyle Andropogon Associates, Ltd., Philadelphia, PA (landscape architect)

Style

Postmodern

History

This solar-powered building for Environmental Studies has earned national acclaim as a showcase for green building technologies and operating systems. Inspired by Professor David Orr's vision and direction and Oberlin's dedication to the project, Adam Joseph Lewis, for whom the building is named, provided leadership support by contributing the initial $1 million for the building with additional support from the Lewis family, bringing the total family commitment to $3.25 million. Photovoltaic panels on the center's roof and parking pavilion capture renewable energy from the sun and south-facing windows allow for passive solar heating. Indoors, a specially engineered wetland called the Living Machine purifies non-potable wastewater for reuse in toilets and the landscape. Flows of energy and cycling of materials are monitored and displayed by a sophisticated system (150+ sensors) that gives real-time feedback, teaching about sustainability in the built environment.

The design process for the Lewis Center began in 1992 when Professor David Orr taught a year-long "Ecological Design" course, focusing on plans for a new environmental studies center. The resulting proposal evolved through 1998, with the assistance of students, faculty, and community members: over a dozen public charrettes were held to solicit opinions and ideas. As plans for the building progressed, students researched specific products and systems for consideration by the design team. The design team was selected for their expertise in education, design, renewable energy, and current building technologies. Members of the team worked closely to create integrated systems. The construction period began in January of 1999 and occupants moved into the building in January of 2000. The construction fill was used as an earth berm to insulate the north facing first floor wall of the facility. Students and community volunteers have installed and maintained the landscape under the direction of Professor David Benzing of the Department of Biology. The Living Machine wastewater treatment facility is also maintained primarily by students. An extensive data monitoring system allows the center's staff and Oberlin college maintenance staff to track the performance of various systems in the building thereby allowing them to spot and diagnose problems. Detailed monitoring of building systems has occurred since the building opened for classes in January 2000. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has been working closely with the Oberlin faculty, staff, and students to study and improve the Lewis Center's energy performance.

Sources

Marci Janas, "Groundbreaking for Environmental Studies is Tomorrow," Oberlin Online, Oberlin College, 24 September 1998, accessed May 22, 2015.

"Oberlin College Lewis Center," Green Building Brain, accessed 7 April 2015.