The expansion of the College Science center was an opportunity to design a courtyard linked to the school's curriculum. The design captures the essential character of the New Hampshire landscape, and distills it into an idealized snapshot of the state to help students learn about local botanical life and geological processes.

The Natural Science faculty worked with Dirtworks to develop elements for use in teaching. The paving patterns and material represent strata and native stone types. Large boulders, representing rock outcrops, provide opportunities to study natural rock formations. The building is a giant sundial that casts shadows in the courtyard's main walkway. The shadows align with the bronze markers indicating significant astronomical dates, such as solstices and equinoxes. The plant palette was carefully selected to represent native New Hampshire flora and plants significant in botanical evolution.

Architect: Mitchell/Giurgola Architects