Foster Student Innovation Center at the University of Maine, Orono, Maine

Designed by Oak Point, the LEED-registered Foster Student Innovation Center was created as an incubator for knowledge-based business ventures that will lead to the creation of new Maine-based industries. Oak Point’s goal was to provide a stimulating environment that fosters innovation and creativity within a solution that encompasses a vision for the future through adaptability and green design.

One approaches the north side the building low through tall trees entering into an unexpectedly lofty interior that features an open-air team workspace, private work rooms, a conference room, a seminar room, offices, and an “inspiration space” that looks out onto the surrounding natural environment. The building sits on what was the University’s last undeveloped track of land.

The challenge was to preserve the character of the site through careful building orientation, striking a balance between site disturbance, solar orientation, and the visual approach. Windows offer broad views to the surrounding natural areas to 98% of the occupied spaces. 46% of construction materials were manufactured within 500 miles of the project site and 91% of construction waste and land clearing debris was recycled or diverted from landfills. Occupancy sensors control lighting systems. Radiant floors, low-flow fixtures, daylighting techniques and efficient lighting provide water and energy savings. Recycled, rapidly renewable, and low-emitting materials and finishes were used throughout a flexible interior that features modular furniture systems and retractable glass walls that can be opened or shut to combine or divide various spaces. http://www.oakpoint.com