Interpreting Sustainability Initiatives:The “Greened” Aiken Center at the University of Vermont

Katherine OstrootThe University of Vermont, Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources

Background

Guidelines for Interpretation

Regional Materials Map

Objectives Interpretive Master Plan

Develop a comprehensive master plan that contains an inventory of potential interpretive and educational media projects to be used in the Aiken Center Effectively disseminate information about the ecological and sustainable aspects of the Aiken Center in a way that is accessible to a wide range of audiences Convey knowledge and information in an engaging and effective way that creates an emotional and intellectual connection between the audience and the resource Complete various projects from the master plan prior to the reopening of the building

Clear and concise main theme Connection to the audience and their experiences, emotions and ideals Creates a bridge between old and new knowledge Sparks an interest, generates curiosity, and encourages audience participation Accessible to a wide range of audience types

The George D. Aiken Center, at the University

of Vermont, houses the Rubenstein School of

Environment and Natural Resources. The Aiken

Center reopened for the 2012 spring semester

after undergoing a complete renovation that will

help the school better fulfill its mission of

achieving a sustainable human community that

is in harmony with the surrounding natural

environment. The renovated building is a

working demonstration and living classroom

that will provide many opportunities for

learning and continued research for students.

An environmental interpretation class that ran

during the fall 2011 semester explored

interpretive communication skills and developed

an interpretive master plan and educational

media for the building.

Theme:The newly renovated George D. Aiken Center will serve to educate, inform, inspire, and provoke all visitors by emphasizing the sustainable features of the building, while also encouraging environmental competency. Project Examples: Guided tour to educate visitors Online, self-guided tour Digital touchscreen monitor for informational displays Educational signs for the eco-machine Regional materials map

Interpretive Theme: Many materials used in the renovation of the Aiken Center were chosen to reduce the carbon footprint of the building and to support local economies.

Photo by Sally McCay

Created by John Kinnicutt, Kate Ostroot, & Alie Sarhanis