Phil Hardberger Park Urban Ecology Center

Located within the urban reaches of San Antonio, Hardberger Park is a 311-acre park focused on retaining a rich and diverse array of ecosystems. The Urban Ecology Center emphasizes the dynamic interaction between natural and urban systems, fostering the stewardship of the natural and cultural landscape. The complex consists of a series of pavilions which house offices, restrooms, and classrooms. These structures frame outdoor rooms of various scales that allow people to interact with the natural environment in contrasting ways, demonstrating how buildings and people can develop a symbiotic relationship with the native landscape.

The Center is a model for environmental stewardship through its locally sourced and sustainable materials, extensive rainwater harvesting system, and preservation of native, mature trees. The landscaping includes native plants that require no watering. Trails of decomposed granite encourage biking and hiking and the exploration of different ecotones around the site.

The main gathering pavilion features expansive sliding glass doors that foster a strong connection to the surrounding landscape, blurring the boundary between indoor and outdoor spaces. Designed with flexibility in mind, the pavilion accommodates up to 250 guests and supports a variety of revenue-generating events. As the heart of the site, the Urban Ecology Center cultivates environmental stewardship through immersive educational programs in botany, wildlife, and general ecology—engaging the San Antonio community in hands-on experiences that foster a lasting connection to nature.