Wallach Center for Innovation

Citation2

Jul 6

Written By bonnie kastel

Citation Award // Excellence in Architecture Design - Commercial / Institutional

Architect // ARC/ Architectural Resources Cambridge

GC // Engelberth Construction Inc.

MEP/FP/Structural Engineer // Rist-Frost-Shumway Engineering

Code Engineer // Howe Engineers

Building Envelope // Building Envelope Technologies, Inc

Description

The mission of the Wallach Center for Innovation at the Cardigan Mountain School is to provide a home for interdisciplinary exploration to encourage creativity and entrepreneurial spirit in an open collaborative environment. ARC/Architectural Resources Cambridge conceived the building as a hub for hands-on, experiential learning where the pairing of arts and engineering would forge creative synergies. The center supports the Gates Invention Lab, the EPIC (Engineering, Possibilities, Innovation) Center, and the Visual Arts Program, providing a diverse mix of flexible and interconnected program spaces. Stunning views of woods, as well as CardiganMountain and Lake connect students and faculty to the landscape and expand the potential of learning and dynamic investigation in a day lit building with a direct connection to the natural environment. Their work in the Wallach Center helps to foster collaborative skills, new friendships and engender confidence in their abilities to overcome challenges through hard work and creativity.

Jury Comments

The jury was inspired by the design, which not only encourages hands-on learning and collaborative study but also seamlessly integrates visual arts and applied engineering to cultivate innovative synergies and interdisciplinary exploration. The comprehensive program, featuring a woodshop, maker space, art gallery, classrooms, and state-of-the-art digital and visual arts studios, is harmoniously accommodated within the building's proportions and materials, showcasing admirable restraint.

Inside, the glassy interior corridors serve as transparent showcases of learning and creativity, fostering a vibrant atmosphere conducive to discovery and interaction. The building's strategic siting, influenced by panoramic views of Cardigan Mountain and Lake, not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also integrates academic activities with the invigorating benefits of natural daylight and expansive vistas. This thoughtful approach creates a dynamic learning environment that promotes discovery and wellbeing, housed within a simple, efficient architectural design.