The Audubon Nature Institute is proposing a project of national significance to be located near the banks of the Mississippi River in downtown Baton Rouge. MGA was contracted to help with the definition and formulation of concepts and plans for this ground-breaking venture. MGA was instrumental in developing the branding of the entire venture, forming the vision into specific manageable, achievable projects, and integrating the divisions into a synergistic whole.

The Discovery Center will be a unique and precedent-setting living nature/ adventure/experience and science center with a broad spectrum of species of animals displayed in unique natural environments and presented with a wide variety of educational and entertainment experiences and programs. Neither a traditional zoo, nor an aquarium, the Discovery Center will invent a new focus which emphasizes the myriad connections between animals and humans, exploring everything from brains and thinking, to comparisons of animal and human behavior. It will allow for a cutting edge interaction and communication with animals and, ultimately, for a new level of insight into the animal world.

The Audubon Discovery Center will comprise the Audubon Wildlife Discovery Experience, the Children’s Experience, the Bio-Science Experience, the Nature Learning Center, the River’s Edge Adventure Learning Trail, and a Gala Event Pavilion, in addition to an Environmental Studies Center at the City of Baton Rouge Public Library, a signature riverfront restaurant, and a vibrant urban town center with walking, retail, and entertainment opportunities for visitors and locals.

MGA worked with Eskew+Dumez+Ripple Architects, the Baton Rouge Area Foundation as well as representatives of the Baton Rouge mayor's office, the Downtown Development District, the senior staff of the New Orleans Zoo and Aquarium, and community leaders.