Norwalk Community College Center For Science, Health & Wellness
Norwalk, Connecticut
Norwalk Community College’s Center for Science, Health and Wellness is an integral part of the school’s multi-phase campus expansion and academic enhancement program. An initial masterplan established the location for the Center for Science, Health and Wellness and created a new identity for the college with a central Campus Green.
Birch trees and walls of native stone frame the arrival area, emphasizing a vernacular landscape. A stone seatwall in the Campus Green creates a central gathering area while accommodating critical grades for existing utilities. Large shade trees define the central open space and frame views to the adjacent Five Mile River beyond. Groves of birch trees create filtered views from the building to a new courtyard and terrace. The site is enlivened by a sculpture titled “Swarm” by Dennis Oppenheim, which depicts 400 translucent blue birds flying in formation. The project required careful coordination with the College’s existing utilities and services. A storage area for grounds maintenance, which must be accessed via the Center’s arrival plaza, is screened by a decorative wall and terraced plantings.
Birch trees and walls of native stone frame the arrival area, emphasizing a vernacular landscape. A stone seatwall in the Campus Green creates a central gathering area while accommodating critical grades for existing utilities. Large shade trees define the central open space and frame views to the adjacent Five Mile River beyond. Groves of birch trees create filtered views from the building to a new courtyard and terrace. The site is enlivened by a sculpture titled “Swarm” by Dennis Oppenheim, which depicts 400 translucent blue birds flying in formation. The project required careful coordination with the College’s existing utilities and services. A storage area for grounds maintenance, which must be accessed via the Center’s arrival plaza, is screened by a decorative wall and terraced plantings.
Size
30 acres
Collaborators
Mitchell Giurgola
Fletcher Thompson
Fletcher Thompson
LEED
Gold
