Learning Bridge at The Greene School

The Learning Bridge connects two buildings at the Greene School campus in Palm Beach, Florida. Designed by Carlo Ratti Associati, this cross-laminated timber structure links a repurposed industrial building with the historic hall of a former 1920s Chrysler dealership.

The bridge was realized through a digitally driven prefabrication and assembly process. Existing buildings were scanned using LiDAR to generate a precise 3D model, enabling the technical team to translate the architectural vision into engineered CLT components. Flat-packed elements were delivered to site with digital tracking and assembly guidance, supporting an efficient installation completed in just two weeks. The CLT panels, fabricated within a specialized supply chain, are designed for durability with a projected 90-year service life. By storing carbon in its timber structure, the Learning Bridge offsets emissions associated with construction, contributing to a carbon-neutral outcome.

The design provides spaces that bring together focused study and collaborative learning, with two reading rooms, a flexible shared workspace, and an auditorium. The result is both a technical demonstration of mass timber’s efficiency and a pedagogical space that reflects the school’s values of sustainability and innovation.