Sky Island Center for Climate Research

GENERATION OF FORM

This research center is designed to provide live/work accommodations for two permanent resident scientists to perform ecological and climate research atop Mt. Lemmon within Arizona's unique Sky Island region - a forested area ecologically isolated by its harsh desert surroundings.

The center also serves as an educational retreat for high school and middle school-aged students to learn firsthand about the ecological impacts of climate change.

The project is based on an organic form with the intention of creating an interior space that emulates the experience of the outdoors without sacrificing the comforts and control of the indoors. The roof, for instance, is designed to emulate the dappling effects of a forest canopy.

All spaces in the project can be opened up to the elements to capitalize on the beautiful summers in Summerhaven, but the project is also shielded from the strongest wind gusts for the sake of the freezing winters. The camping and outdoor gathering spaces are unroofed to provide residents and visitors with an unparalleled view of the stars.

Overall, the project is designed to inspire a constant admiration of the natural world in order to remind us why the natural world is so important to protect.