Informed by Nature: Passive Design Strategies at The Gilder Center | Greenbuild 2026 Tour

The Richard Gilder Center for Science, Education, and Innovation at the American Museum of Natural History showcases how passive design strategies and high-performance building systems can create engaging, energy-efficient spaces within a complex cultural institution.

Join Atelier Ten’s Junko Nakagawa and project team members on Monday, October 19, 2026 from 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM for a tour of the iconic project. Participants will explore the building’s dramatic five-story daylit atrium and learn how daylighting, passive airflow strategies, and a high-performance envelope work together to enhance comfort while reducing energy demand.

Participants will also review durable material decisions, including exposed shotcrete and bird-safe glazing, and site strategies that improve outdoor comfort and mitigate heat island impacts, connecting design choices to LEED v4 credit intents and outcomes.

Overall, attendees will:

• Explore how passive design strategies contribute to energy performance and occupant comfort.
• See how the building’s five-story atrium supports daylighting and buoyancy-driven ventilation.
• Learn how material choices, including exposed shotcrete, support durability and resource efficiency.
• Examine strategies that improve outdoor comfort and reduce urban heat island impacts.

We look forward to sharing the design strategies behind this landmark project and hope to see you there.

Informed by Nature: Passive Design Strategies at The Gilder Center | Monday, October 19, 2026 from 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM