79R10691 MAM-D

By:  Keel                                                         H.R. No. 1059



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, Architect Robert Jackson of Austin received a 
prestigious honor when his design of the Warren Skaaren 
Environmental Learning Center (ELC) at Westcave Preserve received 
the Award of Excellence at the National American Institute of 
Architects/Committee on Architecture for Education Conference in 
Washington, D.C., on February 9, 2005; and
	WHEREAS, Awarded by an established group of architects, 
professionals, and educators concerned with the design of 
educational facilities, the award considers three criteria in its 
selection: a design's integration of form and function, its 
enhancement of the client's educational program, and its 
collaborative and educational support of the school community and 
its students; and
	WHEREAS, Owned by the Lower Colorado River Authority and 
operated by the nonprofit Westcave Preserve Corporation, the ELC is 
a learning center located in western Travis County at the Westcave 
Preserve, which hosts public programs and sponsors integrated 
exhibits demonstrating the relationships between living things and 
their environments; and
	WHEREAS, The 30-acre natural preserve is a unique 
geographical environment and home to a number of plant and animal 
species, including the endangered golden-cheeked warbler; to 
respect this delicate habitat, Mr. Jackson created a facility using 
sustainable materials, including recycled steel, rainwater 
collection, and a concrete floor made of recycled power plant 
fly-ash content; the 3,000-square-foot building serves as a 
visitors center, a classroom facility, and a gateway to the nature 
preserve; and
	WHEREAS, Founded in 1975, Mr. Jackson's firm, Robert Jackson 
Architects, has received numerous awards from the Texas Society of 
Architects, the American Institute of Architects, and the Austin 
Heritage Society, and has designed residences and educational, 
governmental, recreational, commercial, and health care 
facilities; and
	WHEREAS, Shaping our environment while respecting existing, 
natural surroundings requires an acute sensitivity to the way 
living systems thrive, and Robert Jackson clearly understands this 
responsibility; his design respects the client's needs and 
maintains a happy relationship between the natural and man-made 
worlds, and it is a pleasure to join his peers in recognizing his 
extraordinary work; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 79th Texas 
Legislature hereby congratulate Robert Jackson for his 
award-winning design of the Warren Skaaren Environmental Learning 
Center at Westcave Preserve and extend to him sincere best wishes 
for continued professional success and achievement; and, be it 
further
	RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 
prepared for Mr. Jackson as an expression of high regard by the 
Texas House of Representatives.