Architectural Notes

Feynman Center was created to be a space that complements the surrounding natural environment. The goal is immediately evident by the large glacial erratic boulders distinctively placed in the main entry to the Crossroads section of the building, as well as the wooden beams and sweeping floor-to-ceiling windows that welcome the surrounding prairie indoors. The ceiling is constructed of cross-laminated timber (CLT), the largest installation in the United States. A two-story Living Wall features 7000 plantings of 40 species of native and tropical plants. Prairie grasses harvested from the site where Feynman Center was built are embedded in large acrylic tiles and are used throughout the building. Wooden stairs feature inlaid strips of dark walnut from a tree from Promega founder Bill Linton's property. Richard Feynman was revered for his ability to connect science with the arts and creative visualization – a connection that this building aspires to emulate through its design.