The new Oregon Zoo Education Center features a 24kW rooftop solar array, heat-recovery ventilation, passive cooling, and radiant-slab heating and cooling. Visitors can see the rainwater reclamation system and learn how it collects and stores rainwater in a 10,000 gallon underground cistern. A screen displays information on how much solar energy the PV array is bringing in, and how much energy the building is using. The lighting design brings out the natural materiality of the space and provides focused exhibits, energizing classrooms, and intuitive exterior light.
