The design plan for the Research Facility (left) offers a solution to the community need for a full service community center, and provides an area for Great Lakes Educational Research. It is conceptualized to operate on clean, sustainable energy. All supporting utilities, (i.e. electricity, water, heating and cooling), can be produced on site by means of natural, clean renewable recourses, and all waste produced on site will be recycled and reused on site. The glazed roof of the building is designed to be constructed of solar panels and glass in order to increase and maximize natural lighting; and reduce the need for electrical lighting. The idea would be to direct natural daylight into the building.
Under the roof, a rainwater collection system will capture rain and other precipitation to be used within the building to enhance water conservation.
Under the rainwater collector system, solar panels top the three floors which will be designed to hold an indoor ice skating rink, basketball court, pool, physical fitness center, complete with track, workout area, and full service spa.
Youth placed the one acre food plot on an open deck which will feature organic growing techniques and include composting.
The underwater classrooms and observation areas allow visitors to become part of the Great Lakes habitat as they can look out from the circular glass structure.
Under the classrooms is an underwater laboratory that will allow visitors to conduct experiments and monitor water quality, aquatic life, and invasive species.
An underwater hydropower generator system helps to power the facility.
Visitors can enter the research facility through the underground tunnel, or by boat via the water. The facility will allow scuba divers to enter the water from the classrooms or Laboratory. In the center of the structure is an elevator that operates on a water exchange system.
