Environmental Center

The Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy, in partnership with the City of Pittsburgh, is working to rebuild the Environmental Center at Frick Park. We need your help to ensure that the design process and programming for the new Center is inclusive and serves diverse communities from around Pittsburgh. Check this page for updates and community meeting information as we move forward with this exciting project.

There are no events scheduled at this time, but please check back soon. 
 

 Design Team Selected for Environmental Center at Frick Park

After a public qualifications process, the team that will help shape the future of the Environmental Center has been selected. Led by nationally renowned architecture firm Bohlin Cywinski Jackson, the group consists of artists, environmental restoration specialists, engineers and architects, many of whom have a deep familiarity with Pittsburgh and its parks. The project team includes:

Architecture/Interior Design: Bohlin Cywinski Jackson is a Pittsburgh-based firm whose work includes the Senator John Heinz Regional History Center. The firm is known for creating buildings that nest into surrounding landscapes.

Landscape Architecture/ Site Planning: Pittsburgh firm LaQuatra Bonci Associates has partnered with the Parks Conservancy on projects such as the Regional Parks Master Plan and the Mellon Park Walled Garden.

Environmental Design/Lighting Design: Leading the challenge for the new center to achieve Living Building status is Atelier Ten of New Haven, CT, a consulting service for integrated and resourceful building performance, energy efficient lighting and daylighting design.

Innovation/Environmental Research: Carnegie Mellon University’s Bio_Logic Research Group specializes in environmentally responsive building technology.

Principal Artist: Stacy Levy of Spring Mills, PA will help develop a vision for the integration of art into the design and will assist with the identification of additional artists and artwork for the project.

Mechanical Engineering: RAM-TECH Engineers of Buffalo, NY will design and manage the mechanical and electrical engineering, plumbing, and fire protection for the project. 

Structural Engineering: Barber + Hoffman of Cranberry, PA, with Project Manager Mike Miller

Civil Engineering: HF Lenz of Pittsburgh and Johnstown, PA

Storm water Management: Nitsch Engineering of Boston, MA will design the storm water management for the project, an important LEED certification qualification.

Cost Estimating: Crawford Consulting Services of Pittsburgh will offer comprehensive cost estimate and alternative products.

Additional Information

Frick Environmental Center Education Program Plan 2010-2012
Topographic/cartographic survey and map
Preliminary geotechnical report
Natural features survey and report (vegetation and wetland features)
Map of outdoor learning sites

Photos of the Environmental Center

We sent photographer Alexander Denmarsh to capture the current conditions of the Environmental Center.  View a slideshow below.

Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR. Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR.
Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR. Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR.

Historic Photos

Here are some historic photos of the site surrounding the Center.

Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR. Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR.
Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR. Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR.