An inspiring merging of nature’s beauty with a conservation-inspired mission and sustainable building practices, the Garden Room at the National Aviary is one of Pittsburgh’s most sustainable event spaces. The beautifully crafted room offers a unique meeting space for community organizations, programming, and visitors’ education.

Credited as America’s only independent indoor nonprofit attraction dedicated exclusively to birds, the National Aviary is home to over 150 species of 500 birds from around the world.

The Garden Room offers a view of Allegheny Commons Park, Pittsburgh’s oldest park. Originally built in 1867, the park went through a $2.5 million restoration project that upgraded the fountain, gardens, walkways, lighting, and benches. The collaborative improvement project was headed by Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy, Allegheny Commons Initiative, Northside Leadership Conference and City of Pittsburgh Department of Public Works.

A Bird’s Eye View of the Garden Room’s Sustainability Features

The Garden Room project was led by The Aviary in partnership with Perfido Weiskopf Wagstaff + Goettel (PWWG) and Jendoco Construction Corporation. The space’s LEED Gold certification and high-quality sustainability features – including an updated stormwater management system – add to the appeal of the venue. To improve indoor air quality, the project team chose products and materials with low- and no volatile organic compounds, including paint, adhesives, and acoustic wall panels. Visitors are drawn in by the wonderfully designed light-refracting tubular skylights that were installed to reduce energy consumption through daylighting. Others may be attracted to the elegantly designed stone fireplaces that anchor each side of the beautiful open meeting space.

The space itself looks out into an enhanced natural area called The Rose Garden. The historic garden was rehabilitated to preserve the historic landscape of the nearby Allegheny Commons Park and Lake Elizabeth in a way that embraces and beautifully complements The National Aviary. From the organic design of the retaining wall to the peaceful landscaping, the space was created as a place for reflection and relaxation.

Another distinct sustainable feature is the AviProtek® window system by Vitro Architectural Glass, accompanied by Walker Glass’s bird-safe treatment. The glass is used on three walls of the Garden Room, offering views of the Rose Garden amongst other park features. The energy efficient AviProtek® windows were specifically chosen by architects Perfido Weiskopf Wagstaff + Goettel (PWWG) because they provide a bird-friendly glass system that has “acid-etched designs on the number one surface of the glass.” Etched glass contributes to the safety of birds because it decreases instances of collision due to the glazed and patterned surface. 

Learn more about bird-friendly design.

Additionally, the windows can remain closed for a structured but comfortable meeting space or open completely to provide fresh air and access to The Rose Garden and park.

Soaring Towards Sustainable Leadership

The National Aviary provides engaging, educational, and impactful experiences that inspire visitors to embrace and appreciate nature and birds. The Garden Room’s sustainably- built 3,000 sq ft space is a physical representation of that vision. It is an ode to the beauty of Allegheny Commons Park and the importance of the preservation of endangered and threatened species of birds.

Project Team

• Landscape Design: Moore Design Associates
• MEP/FP/FA Engineering: CJL Engineering
• Structural Engineering: Taylor Structural Engineers
• Civil Engineering: Moore Design Associates
• LEED Organization: CJL Engineering
• Cost Estimating: Morgan Property & Construction Consultants