From June 13-18, Grace Farms in New Canaan is designating its library for students preparing for finals. For those who wish to study less quietly, the commons area is another good spot.
If you haven’t been to Grace Farms, it’s hard to imagine a better place to study. The main building, designed by Pritzker Prize winning Japanese architecture firm Sanaa, is named the River. From the top of the hill on which is was built, it’s evident why: five seemingly separate buildings are connected by a dazzling rooftop that flows like a stream.
People strolling up the River. Photo: Julien Jarry
Inside, there may be lights, but on a sunny day they aren’t necessary, as Sanaa opted for ultra-clear windows as opposed to walls. For students looking to take a break from studying, there’s an open basketball court, as well as an activity room with foosball and a flat screen. Free popcorn will be provided to students, as well as the not free, but delicious options at the cafe.
Students working in the commons. Photo: Jarry
Photo: Jarry
That’s not to mention the 77 acres of woods, wetlands, meadows and ponds that Grace Farms has worked hard to restore from the desolate state the land was left in after serving as a horse farm.
“Anyone can come and go as they want to from Grace Farms,” says Lisa Lynne Kirkpatrick, the Community Initiative Director, “Students can use the library for quiet study, the commons for group projects, or, a lot just go directly to the court to play pick-up basketball.”
One thing that makes coming and going from Grace Farms easy is free entrance. A non-profit, Grace Farms gets all its funding from donations and its cafe.
A man misses a shot on the court. Photo: Mini
A look inside the activity room. Photo: Mini
All life at Grace Farms is native to CT, including these wildflowers. Photo: Mini