ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, Burlington, Vermont

The site design for the Lake Champlain Science Center unifies maritime interpretative exhibits along a publicly accessible boardwalk edge and provides public open space with which to view an active working waterfront. The design provides an educational experience composed of a sculptural interpretation of the geologic forces that created the Champlain Basin including water, steam, and rugged slate from the regional shoreline. Natural materials from the depths of Lake Champlain including crushed shells, embedded fossils, sea glass and reeds enhance the site features and enrich the educational environment.  The dealer.com lakeside terrace and pavilion provides covered event space and is a exhibit for permeable pavement and rainwater collection.  Upper level building scuppers direct stormwater to the linear raingarden below.

Awards
2004 Vermont Public Spaces Awards – Merit Award
Architect
Smith Alvarez Sienkiewycz Architects
Photography
Carolyn L. Bates Photography, Westphalen Photography