Great news for The Diana Center at Barnard College, the WEISS/MANFREDI-designed building that has just been certified by U.S. Green Building Council. The project was featured on Archinnovations last month.

The 98,000-square-foot multi-use building designed by WEISS/MANFREDI Architecture/Landscape/Urbanism, the Diana Center serves as a campus center for the Barnard community and as a cultural destination for visitors from near and far.The structure won the 2011 American Institute of Architects (AIA) Honor Award for Architecture and the AIA Best in New York State Award.

“The Diana Center has not only transformed the way our community interacts but, through its environmentally responsible design and function, has inspired us to become active participants in sustainability efforts,” noted Debora L. Spar, president of Barnard College. “In addition, the building’s dynamic presence on Broadway and the College’s public events series have helped to form deeper bonds between Barnard and our surrounding community. We are tremendously proud of the Diana Center’s LEED Gold rating and look forward to continuing to expand our environmental consciousness.”


“On a small campus, each building must fulfill many functions and will inevitably become an important part of the college’s life, appearance and mission.  This is both a challenge and a blessing—and how blessed we are with the beautiful, multipurpose and environmentally-friendly Diana,” added Judith R. Shapiro,who served as president of Barnard from 1994 to 2008.   “Planning it together with the entire Barnard community, with our superb architects, and with our generous donors was one of the great joys of my years as president.”

”The LEED Gold certificate is a wonderful affirmation of Barnard’s commitment to the environment. The Diana is a living and dynamic demonstration of the reciprocity between environmentally smart building and culturally transparent architecture. From the daylight-harvesting and multilevel vistas to the experimental green roof, the building supports the College’s cross-disciplinary initiatives and the LEED Gold exemplifies Barnard’s own academic gold standard,” said Marion Weiss and Michael Manfredi, principals of WEISS/MANFREDI Architecture/Landscape/Urbanism.

“This achievement means a great deal to Barnard. It symbolizes our commitment to sustainability at the highest levels, not just in facilities and construction but also throughout our institutional practices,” said Lisa Gamsu, vice president, administration and capital planning, and project executive director, the Diana Center.

Among the Diana Center’s sustainable features, the planted green roof, with its pavilion and open patio, extends the life of the roofing membrane, provides energy savings and offers an ecological learning center for Barnard’s biology and environmental science students.

The building also maximizes daylight and incorporates operable windows, radiant flooring, and recycled materials to achieve optimal comfort and control. Occupancy sensors, automated shading, and high performance mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems increase efficiency.

About Barnard College

The idea was bold for its time. Founded in 1889, Barnard was the only college in New York City, and one of the few in the nation, where women could receive the same rigorous and challenging education available to men. Today, Barnard is the most sought-after college for women and remains dedicated to the education of strong, independent-minded women who change the world and the way we think about it.

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