Keene State Science Center

The advancement of the natural sciences is an essential element of Keene State

College’s academic agenda. The redesign of the Natural Science Center provided an

opportunity to redesign the 9,000 square foot courtyard and to coordinate it with 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, creating a model outdoor

field laboratory that promotes geological, botanical, and ecological awareness for the

college and community.

Dirtworks worked closely with the faculty to develop elements for use in teaching.

Paving patterns and materials interpret geologic strata and processes with native stone

types. Large boulders, representing rock outcrops, provide illustrations of natural rock

formations. The plant palette was carefully selected to represent native New Hampshire

flora and the systematic hierarchy of botany and botanical evolution. Two wells allow

for the monitoring of water quality and groundwater levels. While closely linked to the

academic curriculum, the courtyard also offers a relaxing and inspiring setting for daily

uses.

Location
Keene, NH

Completion
2004

Size
9,000 SF

Collaborators
Mitchel Giurgola Banwell Architects

Recognition
2011 Boston Society of Landscape Architects Honor Award 2007 SCUP Honor Award 2007 ASLANY Honor Award 2006 AIA NH Honor Award