The legacy of conservatories as cultural destinations showcasing botanical marvels is at a critical juncture. With rising temperatures and worsening weather events, climate-adaptive transparent structures are evolving into fully living and breathing systems that passively regulate indoor climates, significantly enhancing their relevance to plant research. The urgency of botanical studies related to climate change has never been more pressing.

The goal is to create a new "Conservatory and Climate Center" that combines elements of a cultural conservatory and a climate laboratory. This center will not only expand research on weather-sensitive collections but also serve as a retreat and research hub for workshops and conferences on climate change and botanic life.

Located next to the emerging climate center on the eastern side of Governors Island, the conservatory research center will become a landmark destination. Accessible only by boat and ferry, it has the potential to establish a resilient island edge and test new architectural designs at the water's edge, addressing contemporary risks like rising water levels.