Ursuline Academy of Dallas – Science, Math and Technology Center

The new French Family Center Science, Math and Technology Center demonstrate a strong commitment to both innovation and the environment on the Ursuline campus. The facility is the first classroom building in the Southwest to be certified LEED Gold by the U.S. Green Building Council. This rating distinguishes the new Center as one of the most environmentally sustainable secondary educational facilities in the United States.

Design and construction of the new facility were made possible in part by a $5 million grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Inc. in 2006 – the largest single contribution received in the history of the Academy – followed by a second grant of $2 million in 2007 for science, math, and technology education as part of the Academy’s strategic plan for campus renewal and growth.

The 70,000-square-foot Center, includes 10 science laboratories, double the Academy’s previous number; 9 math classrooms and a math lab; 9 world language classrooms; and three computer science classrooms.

A Sustainable Science Courtyard serves as an outdoor “classroom” for students learning to be good stewards of natural resources. A wireless local area network makes it possible for students to access Ursuline resources. The Courtyard features drought tolerant plantings coupled with a rainwater collection system that feeds a water feature. A rhythmic manipulation of plantings and hardscape results in a courtyard design that can comfortably accommodate both large and small groups of students and teachers.

Talley Associates, working in close collaboration with the architect and client, provided site planning and full landscape architectural/site design services, integrating the courtyard with the design of the French Family Center to create a seamless academic environment that has become a focal point of the entire Ursuline campus. Talley Associates also provided services related to the required Planned Development District rezoning effort, ensuring compatibility with the surrounding residential neighborhood.