Exterior Features

The Wisconsin Institutes for Discovery building is trapezoid-shaped, following the shape of the land. Its exterior façade features a combination of terra cotta and glass.

A water feature, Wi-Fi access, large stones for seating and generous bicycle parking distinguish the entrance on North Orchard Street as the “official entrance” of this 360-degree building with no back door. Four additional entrances are located on the ground floor, one at each corner.

Landscaping designed to represent eco-zones found across Wisconsin buffers the exterior of the facility from street traffic. North Orchard Street along the east side of the institutes is a tree-lined, pedestrian-friendly route with one-way vehicle traffic. Distinctive paving marks this as a special street. The paving extends to the next block to provide a connection with Union South.