Zoo Education Center Tour and Biomimicry Exploration

Join the Portland Green Schools Committee, AIA COTE and Biomimicry Oregon to tour this complex of buildings that were designed for net-zero annual energy use, with passive ventilation cooling strategies, ample daylighting, and aggressive energy efficiency targets. The project is pursuing LEED Platinum certification and LBC Net-Zero Energy certification.  After the tour, Biomimicry Oregon will lead us on a biomimicry activity to encourage how we can use these biological concepts to continue to form our built environment.

The Oregon Zoo’s education center, opened in 2016, creates a hub of environmental learning and activity to excite and inspire the inner conservationist in visitors. Key features of the site include the Nature Exploration Station (NESt), the Backyard Habitat, classrooms, and a multitude of sustainable design features.

Tour: STEAM education is one of the most important component of high performing buildings. The tie between our natural world and the built environment requires inspiration to take action and engage in education, persuasion, and leadership. The design of the bird-friendly and net-zero energy Education Center at the Oregon Zoo responds to the Zoo’s mission to inspire respect for animals and action on behalf of the natural world. The 20,000 SF Center is designed to create a hub of environmental learning and activity to excite and inspire the inner conservationist in visitors, with a special connection to the community’s youth.

Exploration: The Zoo is a great place to learn about animals. Not only can we learn about animals, we can learn from them! Join us for an adventure to explore the emerging discipline of biomimicry. Biomimicry is the practice of learning from and then emulating life’s best ideas to create a more sustainable world; it uses biological concepts as an inspiration to design or solve problems. Members from Biomimicry Oregon and the Zoo Education staff will lead a fun activity designed to let you practice biomimicry thinking.

The event will be followed by a  no-host happy hour networking hour (or two) at Goose Hollow Inn. Hop on the max after the event and join us for great conversation, food and drinks.  Goose Hollow Inn is family friendly so all are welcome!

When: Thursday, October 11th from 4:30-6:30 PM

Where: Meet at the Zoo Education Center located on the right hand side before you enter the main zoo gates.  We will have a sign showing the tour start location.

Cost: 0-$25. Cost is free for those note seeking AIA CEU credits.
AIA Member $25/hr
Nonmember $35/hr
Associate $15/hr
FREE for those not seeking credit

Register here! https://www.eventbrite.com/e/zoo-education-center-tour-and-biomimicry-exploration-tickets-48936357964