Evoking wonder and excitement among students, the distinctive design for the Koch Center for Science, Math and Technology grew out of Deerfield Academy’s commitment to become a leader in science and math education. The programming emerged from extensive research combined with a visionary symposium involving faculty members, architects, educators, alumni, and experts in related fields.

In addition to classrooms, labs, a planetarium, and a 225-seat Socratic lecture hall, the building contains a three-story Science Commons. This dynamic, multi-use space features a map of the stars and a skylight whose shape was inspired by an analemma, a curve that represents the movement of celestial bodies.

Mediating a steep grade change, the building has brick walls that appear to fold into the site’s existing contour lines. Green roofs and terraces further integrate the architecture into the landscape. A low-energy mechanical system and a high-performance building envelope helped the project earn LEED^® Gold certification.