South El Monte, CA
16,000 sf

The San Gabriel River Discovery Center is a regional exhibit and conference center that will tell the story of the San Gabriel River. The center will be constructed using the latest in green building technologies to demonstrate the educational message of resource conservation. It is designed to achieve a LEED® Platinum certification.

The sustainable building goals become extensions of the educational intent of the center while creating a building that is both integrated with its site and sensitive to local conditions. Visitors will learn practical ways to incorporate conservation in their daily lives, as they realize their participation as residents and users of local resources can positively impact and preserve these resources for all to enjoy. Currently in fund-raising, the San Gabriel River Discovery Center won an unbuilt Merit Award at the 2006 AIA Portland Chapter Design Awards.

Rammed earth perimeter wall that uses site materials and tempers interior temperatures; pervious paving and swales redirect water runoff to a local aquifer; native landscape species reduce irrigation needs; a green roof; a nocturnal water circulation system on the roof; downdraft towers that use passive airflow to move cool air through the building; solar panels, green features demonstration project

Certification: LEED Platinum (Target)