January 27, 2008

The Architectural Foundation of Cincinnati and the Mercantile Library are inviting members and the public to a green Valentine Day celebration at the Zoo.

Titled, "Green Spaces, Green Places," the luncheon program will feature opening remarks by Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden Executive Director Thane Maynard. Mark Fischer, the Zoo's Senior Facilities Director, will discuss green architecture and planning at the Zoo.

The event will be held Thursday, February 14, at noon, in Harold C. Schott Education Center & Zoo Academy, a LEED Silver building, and the first "green" education facility in Ohio.

The Cincinnati Zoo Academy has been a part of the public school system in Cincinnati since 1977. In 1995, the program underwent a substantial change from a strictly vocational program with an emphasis on natural resources and wildlife management to a four year college preparatory program. Students spend their ninth and tenth grade years in the Cincinnati Academy of Mathematics and Science (CAMAS) at Hughes Center. Their eleventh and twelfth grade years are spent at the Zoo Academy.

glaserworks designed the Zoo Academy in conjunction with Cincinnati Public Schools.
This building has been Certified Silver by the USGBC. Features include a 4500 SF greenhouse with a discovery forest exhibit and Zoo outreach facilities

Some of the sustainable features for LEED certification are:

• reduction of roof "heat-island" effect
• preservation and reintroduction of native species
• dedication of undeveloped area to remain as "open space" for life of building
• reserved parking for car pool and alternative transportation (bicycles)
• public transportation access
• high-recycled content<
• use of local materials and products<
• daylighting, operable windows and integrated building controls
• green cleaning and housecleaning
• use of white oak tree (from site) for wood furniture and trim<

Design architect Paul Duffy, AIA, glaserworks, will lead tours of the building, which won two top honors at the November 2007 Cincinnati Design Awards competition.

Individual admission is $15 AFC and Library members; $18 for guests and public includes lunch, free parking and zoo admission. Reservations held by name at Zoo gate and Education Center.

Reservations with payment by Feb. 12 to AFC, 2449 Fairview Ave., Cincinnati OH 45219.
Information: PainterAFC@aol.com or (513) 421-4469.