VASSAR ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCE CENTER

The Environmental Studies Department, located in an historic building at Vassar College, hired DWA to design a sustainable renovation for its department facility. Vassar's overarching vision was to create a space that would have a net positive impact on the environment ­ the collaboration with DWA resulted in a bright, modern space whose design is both inspired by and inspiring to environmental studies.

The office space and research facilities were designed to maximize daylight and fresh air without compromising the original exterior walls of the building. Artificial lighting is controlled by a sophisticated "daylight harvesting" system that adapts the lighting levels in each space to the occupancy and amount of daylight. Full-height glass partitions separate offices from research facilities and the reception area, allowing natural light to filter through the entire interior.

The potential of the space to raise awareness of environmental issues is encoded into its very construction ­ environmentally relevant graphics and text were silk-screened onto glass partitions throughout the interior. Reproductions of regional photographs of the Hudson River Valley by William Clift were applied to the cabinetry with computerized laser jet spray of organic dyes.

All materials were selected for maximum renewal and health benefits. Materials or compounds that release toxins over time, as many conventional materials do, were avoided in favor of green alternatives. Sustainable fabrics were used to reupholster chairs that were salvaged from other locations on the Vassar campus.