Nature Shapes Design

The Austin Cary Learning Center enables the UF School of Forest Resources and Conservation to host a variety of educational programs as well as a wide range of events for organizations throughout Gainesville and North Florida. The original building accommodated around 7,000 people annually. When it burned down in a fire in 2011, UF found an opportunity to expand, increasing capacity to 25,000 annual users. They wanted the new building to uphold the spirit of its predecessor, embracing its natural forest surroundings and welcoming in the community.

Because the Austin Cary Forest is focused on sustainable forestry, the client challenged the Walker team to celebrate the forest through architecture. Actual Cypress tree trunks and heavy timber trusses frame the main entry, and storefront mullions emulate the branches of a tree reaching to the sky. Donated wood makes up the framing and siding of the building. The back deck reaches out over Lake Mize, inviting visitors to immerse themselves into the natural environment. With new fire-safety features to prevent future fires, the new Austin Cary Learning Center welcomes larger groups of students, staff, and visitors, inspiring them to embrace the forest that surrounds them.

The Austin Cary Learning Center enables the UF School of Forest Resources and Conservation to host a variety of educational programs as well as a wide range of events for organizations throughout Gainesville and North Florida. The original building accommodated around 7,000 people annually. When it burned down in a fire in 2011, UF found an opportunity to expand, increasing capacity to 25,000 annual users. They wanted the new building to uphold the spirit of its predecessor, embracing its natural forest surroundings and welcoming in the community.

Because the Austin Cary Forest is focused on sustainable forestry, the client challenged the Walker team to celebrate the forest through architecture. Actual Cypress tree trunks and heavy timber trusses frame the main entry, and storefront mullions emulate the branches of a tree reaching to the sky. Donated wood makes up the framing and siding of the building. The back deck reaches out over Lake Mize, inviting visitors to immerse themselves into the natural environment. With new fire-safety features to prevent future fires, the new Austin Cary Learning Center welcomes larger groups of students, staff, and visitors, inspiring them to embrace the forest that surrounds them.