In addition to housing new classrooms and faculty offices, New College stipulated that their new academic center be both an exceptionally sustainable structure as well as a comfortable refuge during Florida’s tropical storms. The building’s many sustainable features include storm water retention and reuse, energy efficiency, carbon dioxide monitoring, lighting sensors, efficient daylighting and operable windows. It also incorporates passive features such as overhead fans, operable shutters and deep arcades that help control temperature and light as well as giving storm protection, views and low-cost outdoor gathering spaces.

The shutters, vernacular to south Florida, allow users to control shade and shadow as needed, minimizing the strong south and west light and providing natural cooling. Two different shutter types were incorporated: a Bahama-style shutter with permanent louvers and a sliding shutter with operable louvers. The Bahama-style shutters reference traditional design while the more easily adjusted sliding shutters help regulate shade and views; both give substantial protection from hurricane-force storm winds.