River Legacy Parks Living Science Center
Arlington, Tex.
Jones Studio, Inc.

Children's whimsy inspires an earthy center for education

© Timothy Hursley

For more photos click on 'photos & drawings' above. To see the people and products behind this project click on 'people & products.'

The Living Science Center is a bold yet gentle statement about joining the world of man with his natural environment. It was inspired by the materials used by local children to build a crudely constructed shelter of fallen tree limbs, stones, and leaves, discovered by the architects deep in the park. Like this modest tent-like fort, the Living Science Center's shaggy, bark-like shingles resemble a form of vegetation. Its ragged walls of deliberately unfinished Texas sandstone suggest future growth and work yet to be accomplished.

Planning a nature center to attract thousands of visitors without destroying the tranquility of the natural setting was a significant challenge. The design resolves this perceived contradiction in part by using the building as a screen to hide nearby housing and traffic. Parking is detached, so visitors approach on paths by foot. Doing so, they never witness the full shape and size of the center from any single vantage point.

The center includes a multi-purpose room, exhibit hall, children's area, classrooms, a "critter compound," a cantilevered riparian viewing room, a bird viewing room, gift shop, library, kitchen, offices. Outdoor amenities include multiple decks, patios, and nooks; a pond, trails, gardens, and parking area.

Formal name of building:
River Legacy Parks Living Science Center

Location:
Arlington, Tex.

Gross square footage:
12,000 SF

Total construction cost:
$2 milliion

Owner:
River Legacy Parks Foundation

Architect's firm:
Jones Studio, Inc.
4450 North 12TH Street, Suite 104
Phoenix, AZ 85014
Phone 602-264-2941
Fax 602-264-3440