The Frederick Gunn School Center for Innovation and Active Citizenship, affectionately known as “The Lizzie,” is a contemporary yet contextually sensitive building that brings together diverse learning environments to inspire collaboration, creativity, and civic engagement. Situated at the campus quad’s edge and neighboring the historic Bourne Hall, the building’s design respects its surroundings through its carefully articulated massing, consisting of three interconnected pavilions. These pavilions break down the building’s scale, integrating seamlessly with the historic campus context while drawing inspiration from the natural materials of the wooded, rocky site. Its program design balances structured, purpose-built spaces—such as science labs—with flexible areas like the Entrepreneurship Center and the Center for Just Democracy, creating a dynamic educational hub where ideas take shape and grow. Sustainable features, including solar photovoltaic panels, a geothermal well field, and a high-performance building envelope, aim to achieve near Net Zero energy performance.

The lighting design plays a pivotal role in enhancing both the architectural vision and the learning experience within The Lizzie. Natural light is prioritized through large windows, clerestories, and strategically placed skylights, creating bright, inviting spaces while reducing the need for artificial lighting. Interior lighting systems are designed with flexibility in mind, featuring adjustable, task-specific lighting in classrooms, labs, and communal areas to accommodate various teaching and learning needs. Exterior lighting, thoughtfully integrated into the landscape and architectural features, highlights the building’s natural materials and provides a warm, inviting glow at night while preserving the serene character of the campus. Through a balance of daylighting and energy-efficient fixtures, the lighting design fosters a healthy, productive environment while aligning with the project’s sustainable and innovative ethos.