Welcome to Calgary's newest learning centre focused on providing an immersive learning experience for all ages. Providing an opportunity to be exposed to Alberta's ecosystems and wildlife through learning opportunities. Each and every individual should have access to outdoor experiences. This is supported through hands-on educational programs that support curriculum learning, outdoor seminars, courses, training, film festivals, learning materials, and onsite professional educators. Week long educational programs are provided by the staff for Grades 1 to 12, and University courses to support learning curriculums. While the Library and support spaces are open to the public to offer outdoor specific learning, materials, and support.

This project is a multi-use 3 story building located at 3304 17th Avenue SW in Calgary and is build based off the existing Corus building. This project uses the first and second floor on the west side of the building with a total area of 1,075m2 (11,570sq. ft). Part of the project requirements were to incorporate a stair and elevator that connects the first and second levels. The design had to meet the 2019 National Building Code - Alberta Edition and support universal design. The interior design is specific to each students goals, objectives and research for this project.

The development of this project combined personal interests in the outdoors and by asking questions like how does one create a memorable space? This involved research to support my thesis question, How can nature be used to enhance learning within a space? This question was supported by research in the areas of natural and biophilic design, and by understanding different learning styles and approaches. This research provided key ideas that needed to be incorporated into this project in order to support the question. Additional research was supported by interviewing an educational program coordinator and an exhibit designer who provided additional insights to this project.

This project aims to design a space that uses natural elements and biophilic design principals within the education and recreation typology. Providing an interactive hands-on experience in a learning space through immersive design. The goal is to provide a memorable experience that provokes inspiration to pursue new experiences in the outdoors.