Hastings Architecture
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Hastings Architecture

Architecture, Interior Design, Planning, and Sustainability

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Nelson Andrews Leadership Lodge

The Nelson Andrews Leadership Lodge is a journey, an experience along the path in the woods, where the wisdom and serenity of nature are captured within to provide a pause to teach visitors to listen, to learn, and to lead. Inspired by the details of the woodland setting, the design concept is simply “The Forest Experience,” where the path in the woods continues through the building and then back into nature. It is a place for individuals to connect, discover, play, innovate, and transform as they learn and develop leadership skills.

Both subtle and whimsical aspects of exploring the woods are revealed in the architecture. The whimsical features of the building, such as the bridge that crosses over the creek at the entrance, the slide that provides a means of traveling from the classrooms to the outdoor gathering area below, the zip line launch from the back deck that provides a round trip experience through the treetops, the fire pit which encourages meaningful conversation, and the treehouse-like classrooms deliberately provide a non-corporate setting for teaching leadership and thinking outside of the box. The architectural details and elements of the building engage all of the senses and contribute to this place of whimsy and experiential learning.

Location
Nashville, Tennessee
Size
15,527 square feet
Client
YMCA of Middle Tennessee
Recognition
AIA Middle Tennessee, Honor Award
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Cultural + Civic
Hospitality + Mixed-Use
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