Global Flora Botanical Conservatory

Global Flora Botanical Conservatory reimagines how the design of a sustainable greenhouse can enhance global interdisciplinary science education and deepen a public understanding of nature. The Global Flora facility expands the 1920 vision of Dr. Margaret Ferguson, who argued for plant biology as a central part of science education and encouraged students to “listen to” plants and learn through hands-on interdisciplinary experiences. Global Flora houses a preeminent global plant collection in Dry and Tropical biomes. The iconic Durant Camellia tree, over 140 years old, is housed in a seasonal pavilion that connects with the new facility. Global Flora exceeds the Net Zero Water & Energy requirements of the Living Building Challenge, the world’s most rigorous certification of sustainable construction. An open source interactive sensor platform allows people to gather and share real-time data from plants, soil, air and water over multiple public digital media platforms. Global Flora is a free and public botany lab and museum that emphasizes the importance of environmental stewardship to current and future generations on-site and online.

Client: Wellesley College
Location: Wellesley, MA
Size: 8,540 SF (New Construction)
Status: Completed 2019
Honors & Awards: 2017 LaFargeHolcim Design Award for Sustainable Construction, Bronze Award, North America
Publications: ArchDaily

Mr. Shelly was the Project Architect & Project Manager on the project while employed at Kennedy & Violich Architecture.

Global Flora provide a platform for interactivity and dynamic exchange between the plants, researchers, students & visitors.

The project is situated along the ridge line of one of Wellesley’s many glacially-carved hills.