Biophilia Center Award

Architects of the E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center Receive Top Honors

at 2010 Design Awards

Freeport, Florida - The designers of the E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center at
Nokuse Plantation received the 2010 AIA Design Award. Wallrapp Architure
and Interior Design and pv+r accepted the award Friday, July 16 at the
Lion's Eye Institute in Ybor City Tampa, Florida. The design awards drew 54
entries this year and approximately 180 attendees were present to witness
the presentation of 15 awards of merit and honor. The awards were juried by
award-winning Fort Lauderdale architects.

The facilities and infrastructure of this year's AIA Design Award were
designed taking into consideration the mission of the Biophilia Center,
which encourages conservation, preservation, and restoration of biodiversity
and promotes sustainable balanced ecosystems. Buildings consist of an
auditorium, nature center, and classrooms that house interpretative exhibits
about wildlife, insects, plants, and other aspects of local native
communities. Extensive nature trails curve through areas undergoing
ecological restoration on the nature preserve. The facilities were built to
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Standards. The
standards were met by the designers through such design considerations as
the orientation of the buildings, use of energy efficient lighting and low
volatile organic carbon or VOC (non-toxic) paints, retention and
conservation of water, and incorporation of recycled construction debris.

Receipt of this award exemplifies what students, educators, and
conservationists have to say about their unique learning and teaching
experiences at the Center. Charles Pattison, President of 1000 Friends of
Florida said about a recent visit "What a magnificent facility! You have
created a shining example for the kind of setting that promotes the learning
experience for which E.O. Wilson has dedicated his life."

Contact: Christina Scally
E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center Director
850-835-1824 office
850-217-2173 cell
www.eowilsoncenter.org