Center for Global Conservation

Bronx, NY

Client: Wildlife Conservation Society
Completion: 2009
Area: 42,000 sf

The Center for Global Conservation will act as the Wildlife Conservation Society’s headquarters for international programs, providing space for administrative efforts and scientific research within the Bronx Zoo. The design respects the natural features of the site — bridging rock outcroppings and avoiding significant vegetation — and uses these elements and the flow of water through the site as part of the entry sequence. The east/west linear orientation of the building maximizes daylighting and cross-ventilation. The cantilevered form and materials blur the lines between interior and exterior; interior meeting and gathering spaces have exterior extensions. The ramped ground plane — an intensive green roof — allows each floor to open directly to the native planted exterior green space. The building, currently under construction, achieved a LEED Gold Rating.