By Chris D’Olimpio
The Green Design Award recognized BKSK Architect's design for the new Visitor/Administration building at the garden, as well as the garden's landscapes, for showcasing energy conservation and environmental stewardship. The new building uses substantial “green” design and is energy efficient. It acts on natural resources and collects clean air and water, cleaning and reusing it to preserve city water. The building does this by capturing the sun's energy with photovoltaic panels. “We hope this is a model for other institutions across the country,” said Jennifer Ward Souder of the Queens Botanical Garden. “This is our first major construction. We have been working on it for a number of years.”Three working roofs are the key to the design for the new building. A large sheltering terrace roof will welcome garden visitors and feed the rainwater harvest system. The rainwater is led from the roof and brought down to a channel that divides the building, making falling water a celebratory event. The water is later recirculated and reused.The project was funded through the City Council and the Queens borough president's office. It is also supported by the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs.
