Dr. gerald l. Boarman discovery center, the bullis school

Potomac, Maryland

The Discovery Center is the new heart of the Bullis School—a K-12 environment that aspires to be at the forefront of preparing students to become future leaders. The project’s conceptual design centered on the understanding that today, art and science are undergoing dramatic transformation and are closely linked through technology. The building’s dynamic and transparent architecture, with views into the grand stair and second-floor Innovation Lab, opens the campus to the Center’s exciting activities occurring inside.

Learning, creativity and exploration are enhanced and enriched through the creation of open and flexible spaces that promote collaboration and invention. A specialized classroom advances a growing entrepreneurial program, while other classrooms and lab spaces strengthen programs in robotics, fabrication, and distance learning. Traditional learning labs for chemistry, bio, marine bio and physics are supplemented by more ﬂexible individual and group study spaces and meeting rooms. A feature wall outside the Studio Theater puts science on display, while numerous spaces are configured to allow students, and the entire Bullis community, opportunities for socializing and casual interaction—activities that are proven to foster inspiration and innovation.