• Erosion and sedimentation control
• Alternative transportation
• Storm water management

• A passive solar design to decrease energy consumption
• Use of renewable energy sources where possible
• Recycled materials
• Maximization of natural ventilation
• Geothermal HVAC
• Tankless water heaters
• Landscape & exterior design to reduce heat islands (such as a green roof)
• Use of indoor plants to soak up toxins
• Low-emitting materials
• Low water usage toilets
• A recycling center
• Use of organic food in concession area when possible

The building will need several spaces that should be flexible in usage. The community has expressed strong interest in the components listed in Table 3: Building Spaces. These components are described below. Operations will require space for an arrival area, exhibits, staff and volunteer offices, maintenance space, and educational spaces. Additional spaces include a retail area and a library/bird viewing room.

Arrival area

•  A covered space, with a few benches, for groups of up to 60 people to assemble in any weather.

•  The lobby will be convenient to indoor restrooms and will have a small amount of space available for exhibits, including recognition of donors and site orientation displays.

•  Volunteers will staff the reception station.

•  Reception station should be adjacent to the front entrance and nature store.  

Retail Area
* A nature store and a snack area could contribute to the operational funds of the
Center.
* The snack area will be included in the nature store. It will consist of a refrigerator and freezer for food and drinks. There will also be an area for serving coffee and hot beverages. This area will include 3-4 tables with chairs.
* A combined cash wrap and storage for nature store and snack area, which need to be
secure areas, would maximize usage of space.

Display/exhibit space
* Portions of the building itself should be a display to clearly interpret the "green" aspects of architecture and applications to the visitor.
* An exhibit space to incorporate hands-on activities for walk-through guests will also allow for circulation of education groups. This space will accommodate up to 100 people at one time.
* Support space for temporary exhibits and exhibit maintenance is essential.

Library
* An integrated exhibit space will have the bird viewing windows set in the environmental library. This will allow visitors quietly to enjoy the sounds of the outdoors while they observe through the windows or utilize the resources of the library. A security monitor could link this area to visitor reception for ongoing supervision.

Animal Care Room
* We will keep a few local non-mammal animals that children can see and touch, which will add immeasurably to programs, especially for urban dwellers that do not often get this type of opportunity. We will not be housing birds at the Center, as they require additional building requirements. We do plan to partner with local organizations that specialize in bird rehabilitation to offer programs of this nature.
* Animal maintenance requires space for cleaning exhibits; storing, preparing and maintaining feed; and housing animals that are not on exhibit. These facilities must be separate from human food storage and preparation.
* This room will need a floor drain, sink, refrigerator/freezer, and dry storage.



Office space
* Will include enclosed offices for a Center Director, Director of Marketing and
Development, Education Director, Teacher/Naturalists, and a Volunteer Room and
shared space for other staff.
* All office spaces should include windows/day lighting, Internet and phone access, ample electrical access, storage and shelving, desks, and computers.
* Education office will include modular furniture to allow some rearrangement of spaces as necessary, storage of program materials and supplies, office supplies, and resource materials.
* The Volunteer Room will include office spaces set up with computers, a meeting
space, lockers and storage.
* Office equipment will be consolidated for staff and volunteer use in a workroom that
will be a focal area for everything from program development and presentation design
to equipment repair.
* A conference room will allow for meeting space for 8-10 people. This can also be used by other organizations. This room will need to have access that does not pass through internal office space.

Office support
* Mechanical room
* Electric room
* Men/Women Restrooms for staff
* Maintenance staff needs a small office and space for storage of landscaping equipment and other tools of their trade.
* A custodial closet will be necessary for cleaning supplies, mops, etc.

Education spaces
* Will consist of 4 themed classrooms, an observation deck and terrace.
* Each classroom will hold 12 students allowing for large classes to be broken down into smaller working groups. For example, a bus of 60 students could be broken down into 5 groups of 12, with one group in each classroom and one group in the exhibits area or outside.
* Each classroom should have direct outside access, counter space, water and sinks, ample electric outlets, Internet and phone access. They should also include storable furniture specific to preschoolers. The classrooms should include waterproof tables, artifact drawers and a 3 X 5 dry erase board.
* An observation deck and terrace are a great transition area for children and adults who may not be comfortable or familiar with a landscape that may seem wild compared to the surrounding urban mix. Groups can be slowly moved from the well-known building to the decks to native gardens or sample yards to a wilder habitat near the Center. These spaces can play an important role in a feeling of safety and security for new audiences. The observation deck will hold 30 people sitting and the terrace is designed for 250 standing.

* The Auditorium will have the ability to seat 200 people in chairs and can be divided into two spaces if needed. Special events, lectures, small conferences, Audubon Ohio activities, and other mission related activities would take precedence in this room. It would also be important in inclement weather for larger scheduled programs. Rentals by community groups during off times for the Center provide funds for the operation of the Center. Many organizations in Columbus have expressed interest in and a need for this type of space near downtown.

Program Support
* An equipment room, technology room for wireless connections and a drop screen, and chair/table storage will also be needed to support the Auditorium.
* A kitchen for preparing food for small events and managing catered events will be needed. The kitchen should have easy access to a building entrance. Energy efficient residential grade appliances including an oven, refrigerator, microwave, and dishwasher will be required.

Men/Women Restrooms
* Will need to accommodate traffic from groups of 60 children and general visitors.
* Will include preschool size fixtures.
* Each restroom should have hooks for coats, a baby changing table, and a small bench.
* Two drinking fountains are needed near the restrooms. One should be appropriate for small children.

Indoor/outdoor 3-season spaces
* Will effectively increase the size of the building during peak times of use.
* These can be flexible spaces that provide tent shade or temporary greenhouse space
for programs and special events. No square footage is assigned to these spaces since
they would be adjacent to, but not in the building.