The goal of this project is to use architecture as a vessel for public education opportunities while enhancing the natural environment. It aims to provide informative interior and exterior exhibits on the aquatic, reptilian, amphibian, aviary, and vegetative wildlife native to the Great Lakes region. It also works to provide informative exhibits on sustainable building performance and sites, as well as water conservation efforts.
The form was conceived using a cellular form-type while the systematic method was used to inform layout of spaces, orientation, and glazing methods. Within the formal building, there are 3 space cells or modules; the service module, the small served module, and the large served module. Together they form a super module; four super modules form the building. This design method is carried from the scale of the site to the scale of the wall detail.