McKinley Environmental Center

Study of integrated architectural design through the development of an environmental center in McKinley Park, focusing on the coordination of structure, enclosure, materials, systems, and construction processes

The McKinley Environmental Center, located in the Beltzhoover neighborhood of Pittsburgh, serves as a community hub for gathering and education. Positioned to directly face Haberman Avenue, a primary focus of the area’s master development plan, the building functions as a linkage between the public realm and the adjacent park, contributing to neighborhood revitalization. Monumental concrete walls emphasize the entrance, enhancing visibility and accessibility while establishing a strong architectural presence. The design is carefully attuned to site conditions, particularly the topography, which allows for multiple entry points from both the street and the park. A green slope provides an alternative circulation path, enabling visitors to access the park without entering the building. Structurally, cross laminated timber (CLT) panels and glulam beams form the primary framework for interior walls and floors, complemented by varied insulation strategies to minimize thermal heat loss. On the exterior, TAKTL concrete panels reinforce the structure while distinguishing the façade from the interior material palette, creating a cohesive yet differentiated architectural expression.