Integrating Resiliency and Water Quality in Site Design at The James A Buzzard River Education Center
Built to educate and welcome grade school students and community members of all ages, the James A. Buzzard River Education Center (River Education Center) serves as more than a classroom. The River Education Center is located within a land conservation trust which mandates that the project to meet 100% of VA DEQ stormwater quality treatment requirements on site. To accomplish this ambitious goal, the JRA incorporated a permeable driveway, a bio-swale planted with native species, and a green roof. This green infrastructure is supported by substantial reforestation within the site. To secure this flagship community center for future generations, the design team incorporated advanced resiliency measures. As sea levels rise and precipitation events continue to shift with climate change, this tidewater-adjacent site will face unprecedented challenges. In anticipation of future weather events, the building rises 2 stories above the ground, lifting the classroom out of the FEMA flood plain and the NASA 50 yr sea level rise model. Inside the building, flood-damage-resistant material ensure that any water which enters the building will not cause permanent damage. While, on the ground, stormwater features were designed to withstand the impacts of a flood. Taken together, the James A. Buzzard River Education Center’s resilient design and green infrastructure make it a leading example of resiliency in Viriginia.
Author Bio
Justin Doyle is the Director of Community Conservation at the James River Association. Knowledgeable in community planning, economic development, and natural resources he is dedicated to conservation and responsible stewardship of our natural resources across the James River. Hunter Nimmo is an Urban Planner at Timmons, working in due diligence, entitlement, and early design of land development projects. With a background in environmental policy and economics, he is committed to promoting built spaces which protect our natural landscape. Amelia Wehunt is a principle, professional engineer, and senior project manager at Timmons, specializing in planning, design, and implementation of urban and park site design. She has a passion for providing sustainable solutions to meet the unique needs of her clients. Ed Pillsbury is a principle at 3north and most inspired when executing site-specific, uniquely designed projects. He is skilled in financing, conceptual planning, and construction.
