coastal education center

The Coastal Education Center demonstrates the positive impact that intentional architecture can have on its surrounding environment, educating visitors about Massachusetts’ coastline, and their impact on it. 

The Coastal Education Center necessitated design that acknowledged its ever-changing landscape and met high sustainability standards. The 1,200sf CEC is bordered by water on two sides: the Atlantic to the east, and a tidal marsh to the west. Between the site and the ocean are large sand dunes, which change shape as the years pass. While the CEC would be protected from wave action by the dunes, it would be susceptible to flooding from the marsh as sea levels rise. As such, it was vital that the design of the CEC respect the imperceptible yet unceasing movement of its environment. The CEC adapts to these conditions via a main floor that sits above the height of the dunes, and a flexible program that would allow the Center to move susceptible program spaces to the upper level in future years as the high water mark approaches the building.

The Center was designed to carbon-neutral standards, using entirely reclaimed wood to reduce its environmental impact. The integrated ramp provides ADA access to the entirety of the building, and offers views of the marshes, dunes, and ocean. Inside, exhibits display natural artifacts, and engage visitors with a touch tank, dune simulator and interactive maps. The CEC would foster connections to its environment, and instill visitors with a desire to fight for its conservation.