The designers of the Brian C. Nevin Welcome Center at the Cornell Plantations, Baird Sampson Neuert Architects, have won one of six 2010 Awards of Excellence from Canadian Architect magazine and online journal for their work on the center.

"The building brilliantly blends indoor spaces with views to the gardens outdoors, resulting in a harmonious, immersive experience for the visitor," said Donald A. Rakow, the E.N. Wilds Director of Cornell Plantations.

Awards are given for architectural design excellence. Jurors considered response to the program, site, geographical and social context, and evaluated physical organization, structure, materials and environmental features.

The center was dedicated Oct. 28 and will be open to visitors in late January 2011. A grand opening celebration for the Ithaca community will be held May 22, 2011.

The building provides space to welcome, orient and educate the public. Designed to achieve Gold LEED certification, the Nevin Welcome Center represents a significant step forward in Plantations' and Cornell's commitment to sustainability.

The center is named for Brian C. Nevin '50. Cornell Plantations -- the botanical gardens, arboretum and natural areas of Cornell -- is open year-round free of charge.