Article and photos by Rachel Luchmun
Into the green: Galileo’s Pavilion Open House shows green technology at work
Galileo’s Pavilion opened to the public Wednesday, showcasing the building’s green capabilities and waste-free construction.The building, which cost $700,000 to build, houses two classrooms and a lounge area, and was built using recycled materials. Among most prominent features are a wind turbine and living walls of plants within the building.
Don Weiss, chair, Board of Trustees, said sustainability has influenced the college’s curriculum and teaching since 2008, following the signature of the American College and University Presidents’ Climate Commitment (ACUPCC).
“We are determined to reduce the college’s carbon footprint,” he said. “This building is a reflection of that commitment, and […] serves as an example of the clean use of building materials.”
Jay Antle, director, Sustainability, said the building will be a learning experience for students.
“This building is really about students,” he said. “This is a building with technology that students from different areas of campus will be able to experience and enjoy and learn from.”
The building is made of reclaimed slate from public schools and conforms to LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Platinum standards (see Galileo Pavilion on schedule for fall 2012 completion for more information).
Galileo’s Garden, situated in front of Galileo’s Pavilion, is a sculpture by Dale Eldred commissioned by the college 30 years ago. It had to be relocated for the construction of the new building.
“I’m pleased to see Galileo’s Garden again,” said Lynne Beatty, professor, Science, who talked about the scientific basis of the sculpture.
Galileo’s Pavilion was designed and constructed by Studio 804, an architecture program at the University of Kansas (see Board approves construction of new campus building for more information).
Contact Rachel Luchmun, managing editor, at rluchmun@jccc.edu.
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