The first Challenger Center to incorporate sustainable building design into the mission-based curriculum of the Challenger Center for Space Science Education will be built in Mount Laurel, New Jersey by an award-winning New Jersey firm. The new Challenger Center will be designed by the architectural, interior design and engineering firm, Cubellis. The selection was made by New Jersey Educational Information Resource Center (EIRC) for a new Challenger Learning Center in Mount Laurel Township.
“This is incredibly exciting for us. Almost everything connected with space exploration includes an understanding of responsible and careful use of available resources to accomplish a mission,” said Challenger Center Founding Chairman June Scobee-Rodgers. “We’re thrilled that this new Challenger Center in Mount Laurel will include “green” themes for our teachers and students. It will help us continue our mission of creating a new generation of explorers.”
The Mount Laurel Challenger Center will be 12,500 square feet. The goal of the design is to underscore the Challenger Center’s mission of “learning at every turn” and to incorporate design concepts and technology that provide learning opportunities. For example, the building will include photovoltaic solar panels and rain water collection that instructors can highlight for demonstration and teaching.
The new Challenger Center is expected to be open in 2009.
About Challenger Center
The Challenger Center for Space Science Education was founded in 1986 by the families of the astronauts of the space shuttle Challenger 51-L mission. Challenger Center programs raise student’s expectations of success by fostering a long-term interest in science, mathematics, technology and engineering, motivating them to pursue a career in these fields. The network of 50 Challenger Learning Centers across the U.S. train more than 25,000 teachers annually to incorporate project-based learning and use the theme of space exploration to engage students in critical thinking, decision-making, communication and teamwork. Learn more at http://www.challenger.org .
About Cubellis
Cubellis is an integrated, single-source design firm offering architecture, interior design, and engineering services to a diverse base of national and international clients from offices throughout the country. The firm’s practice area expertise includes retail, workplace solutions, residential, mixed use, education, municipal/government, and hospitality. Cubellis’ Freehold and Englewood Cliffs office locations are staffed by 40 professionals serving their Northeastern clients. For more information, please visit: www.cubellis.com.
About EIRC
EIRC is a public agency specializing in education-related programs and services for parents, schools, communities, nonprofit organizations and privately held businesses throughout New Jersey. The agency’s programs also reach into more than 36 states and 8 foreign countries.
CONTACT: Martin Schwartz (609) 254-4573 or mschwartz@challenger.org
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