Dickinson Conservatory

San Diego Botanic Garden

This facility was designed to host myriad of events in a variety of ways. DPA designed this facility to be completely adaptable — the roof and walls open for those perfect San Diego days, but for the occasional rainy day or to protect the tropical plants on cool winter nights the roof and doors close. Planter beds are strategically placed around the perimeter of the facility and located both on the interior and adjacent exterior to create seamless indoor / outdoor transitions. Plant chandeliers drop to eye level or raise overhead for a botanical canopy. Planted green walls and art cases move in and out of the space creating a multi function facility.

A large outdoor planted amphitheater is tucked into an adjacent hillside creating yet another outdoor gathering space. A kitchen is designed for either cooking classes or catering adds yet another level to this facility. Educational classes, events, and parties work in tandem or individually as the need arises within an adaptable and educational botanical wonderland.