The University of New Mexico’s Science and Math Learning Center was awarded Gold sustainable design certification in the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED for Schools rating system in October of 2011. The LEED for Schools rating system is unique among other LEED programs as it addresses core learning areas and requires higher performance standards for air quality, acoustics, daylighting, and thermal comfort. Van H. Gilbert Architect PC of Albuquerque and design partner Shepley Bulfinch implemented a wide range of sustainable design strategies and techniques that focus on enhancing the learning environment.
The Science and Math Learning Center anticipates a 24% reduction in energy use as compared to a similar building, at an annual savings of $65,000. The building’s exterior detailing responds to the strong New Mexico sun with deeply set windows on the south and north facades and sophisticated sun screening on the south. Sustainable features include the use of daylight to flood all classrooms; artificial light sensors; light shelves that bring light deep into building spaces; controlled light entering the science labs; and natural daylight to all offices on the north side of the building. The construction methods of general contractor McCarthy were important contributions to achieving Gold certification.
The design solution enhances building densities on the diminishing open areas of the academic campus. The site design maintained and enhanced east-west pedestrian campus circulation with a passageway through the building, effectively showing off the multi-media visualization lab, the lecture hall, and the soaring atrium to all who pass through. The atrium focuses natural light down three floors to the lobby where students congregate for informal classes, mentoring, or social interaction with classmates and professors. The building was dedicated in March 2011.
