My favorite experience in this class was visiting the Grange Audobon Center for many reasons.  I am from Columbus, so while I still learned a lot, many of the sites that we visited I had heard about or visited before. However, I had not yet heard of or visited the Audobon Center. This nature center is a hidden gem nestled in a pocket of the Scioto Audobon Metro Park by the Scioto River and Downtown Columbus. It was designed by DesignGroup, a notable architecture group based in Columbus, Ohio with many impressive local projects such as this. The Audobon Center was only recently opened in 2009, and is a local center for learning about nature for all ages. However, the main aim for this building is introducing urban youth to nature. This beautiful site is also available to rent for special events parties, weddings, meetings, etc. The Audobon Center is also incredible because of its sustainability as it received a LEED gold certification because of its efforts. There are also efforts to help the animals. For example, swales of native plants, porous driveway to stop runoff into the river, and coverings on the windows to protect the birds from flying into them. Overall, this is a beautifully designed, and incredibly thoughtful project. I will definitely go back there in the future!