Goucher College’s LEED-certified Athenaeum

The first time I went to college my choice was Goucher, located in Towson, Maryland. I was a theater major. Since then, I’ve gone back to school (The College for Creative Studies) to earn a degree in Interior Design. But I never forgot my first Alma Mater. I’ve been a faithful class agent (begging for money from classmates) since graduation. And I’m still close friends with many of my Goucher buddies.

I met last week with Nancy Turner, the Director of Development and Alumnae Affairs, and was thrilled to hear first-hand about Goucher’s new library and cultural center – The Athenaeum. It’s a green building with a silver rating from LEEDs. Let’s take a little tour.

When I attended, Goucher was an all women’s college. We were fairly ticked when they started admitting men. But you have to roll with the times. I am no longer ticked, but enthused about their international approach to education. Every student must spend at least 3 weeks studying in another country. They’re the first college to dedicate themselves to the global village, so to speak.

The exterior is constructed from Butler stone, redwood and copper.

Part of the environmental design includes 2 grass-covered roofs. Grass acts as an insulator to keep heating costs low. The large windows are light sensitive and change throughout the day to make the best use of the natural energy.

The Forum is the central feature of the new Athenaeum. It’s modeled after the amphitheaters of Europe. The cool thing is that the character can change according to what happens to be oging on. The steps leading up from the stage can accommodate crowds of varying sizes.

There’s more!

The new library is housed here. They now have a proper home for Goucher’s Special Collections, such as the Burke Collection of Jane Austen first editions and letters, etc. Who knew that was there? Not me, until now. Criminal!

I don’t have a proper photo, but the stacks can be seen from the exterior as lines of color. It’s open, airy and beautiful.

I like the idea of exercising while listening to a lecture. The Athenaeum also includes a restaurant…

meeting and lecture rooms and …

lots of lounge areas with wide screen TVs.

Oh yes, and there are a couple of large, rooftop meeting spaces as well. With all this great stuff, who has time to study?

Green LEEDs Features

• High performance glass reduces heat gain int he building.
• Green roofs further reduce heat gain and alleviate storm-water runoff.
• Recycled building materials were used throughout the building, including construction materials and carpet. Fifty percent of all construction debris was recycled.
• LED and fluorescent lighting was used throughout, as well as solar water heating, light-activated window shades, and motion sensors for lighting.
• A rain garden planted with shrubs, trees and herbaceous vegetation helps control the stormwater runoff and filters pollutants.
• Existing wetlands and forests surrounding the Athenaeum were conserved. Yay! I loved those walks through the woods.

Cool building, isn’t it? Does/did your college have a building like this? Do you know someone who has battled the fierce Goucher Gophers on the playing fields? If you’re in the Baltimore area, be sure to stop by Goucher and tell them I said hello. The next time I’m in town, I’m heading straight for the Jane Austen Collection.

• Posted by Jennifer at 9:54 am
• 1 Comment
• Tagged: Architectural, Goucher College, green design, LEED certified, library, recycle, student design, sustainable