Outdoor education deck, Chabot Space & Science Center, Oakland

Oakland's Chabot Space & Science Center has added an outdoor education deck of around 3,200 square feet, representing a two million dollar investment. The space is devoted to the joint observation and study of the universe and of the local terrestrial environment.

The project was designed by the Exploratorium's Studio for Public Space in San Francisco. It adds to the centre's existing facilities, which include three large telescopes, a planetarium and a programme of classes, workshops and events.

The decking is Kebony modified wood, chosen for outdoor environments with heavy footfall. The material was also used for benches and railing accents. Its dimensional stability and abrasion resistance suit a facility receiving school groups, where the surface takes dense traffic with no opportunity for major maintenance during the year.