OVERVIEW In response to the need to house the schools sustainability program in an already saturated campus plan, the proposed Mirage Superior on Temple Green seemingly exists as a refraction of light. The space created elicits an environment for students and faculty to cultivate a culture of community engagement, collaboration, and education within the Connecticut College campus.

CONCEPT The design draws inspiration from a superior mirage, a natural phenomenon associated with the play of light and atmospheric conditions. This concept is translated into a dynamic interplay of volume, materiality, and site. The dramatic slope created by the soccer field on Temple Green acts as an artificial horizon line when viewed from the main campus. Placed below the “horizon” and beyond the slope is a fluid structure that supports a looming orthogonal from above.

The lower level of the building features a fluid, mirrored-glass curtain wall that reflects the surrounding environment. This design choice captures the dynamic interplay of light and creates a seamless connection between the interior and exterior spaces. The transparency of the glass serves as a metaphor for the openness and connectivity that are integral to sustainable initiatives.

Juxtaposed by the fluidity of the lower level, the upper story is characterized by a purely orthogonal cement form. This deliberate contrast in materials allows for the seemingly heavy volume to appear as though it were floating. The limited material palette (glass, steel, and concrete) takes the approach of achieving sustainable construction through durability.

In plan, the first floor is conceived as an open environment fostering community engagement, social interaction, and collaboration. The transparent walls allow for natural light and visually invite individuals to participate in the ethos of sustainability. The second story shifts the focus to more intimate environments. Housing study zones, classrooms, and office spaces, this level embraces a change in spatial use, providing a quiet atmosphere. The fluid structure of the first story projects upward, functioning as a light well that illuminates the seemingly solid second story.

IMPACT Through its unique design the structure seeks to inspire a sense of wonder and awareness, inviting the college community and visitors alike to engage in sustainable practices and the connection between architecture and the environment. Beyond a building, the center aspires to be a symbol of the institution’s commitment to a greener, more sustainable future.