"This is by far the greatest thing that has ever happened to me," the
Associated Press quoted Woods as saying about the Tiger Woods Learning
Center (TWLC), which was dedicated last week.
The high-tech, 35,000-square-foot educational center will offer children
grades 4-12 educational programs in a building that houses 100 computer
stations, a fully wireless environment, a 200-seat auditorium and a
1,200-square-foot multimedia center.
The facility features two solar electric systems -- a rooftop array and a
custom, curved BIPV curtainwall -- both designed by Solar Design
Associates (SDA) of Harvard, Massachusetts. The BIPV curtainwall uses
custom, thin-film modules with varying light transmission employing ASI
glass from Schott. The rooftop array is from PowerLight.
SDA worked closely with project architects, Langdon Wilson of Irvine, to
ensure that the BIPV application met the architect's design intent.
"The curtainwall design is both curved and sloped, requiring us to specify
BIPV modules of differing size and shape as well as differing light
transmission," said SDA President, Steven Strong. "The BIPV curtain wall
varies in light transmission from 5% to 30% top-to-bottom -- like the
tinted band on your car windshield -- and transitions to clear at the
vision area."
"This is bigger than golf. This is bigger than anything I've done on the
golf course, because we will be able to shape lives," Tiger Woods said
during the dedication, adding that he viewed the center as a place for
students "to explore their dreams and open doors to new opportunities and
potential career paths."
Former President Bill Clinton was on hand to help Woods dedicate the
center. Clinton said, according to the AP, that he was impressed that
Woods had been able "to amass a stunning, unprecedented record and, start
giving back at this point in your life."
Tiger's father, Earl Woods, who has been battling cancer and was unable to
attend the opening, has also been a key presence in shaping the center. In
an earlier interview, he said, "I hope the message goes out loud and clear
that more athletes should give back to the community and give back to the
sport that made you what you are today."
The City of Anaheim helped sponsor the solar electric systems. Other
project sponsors include Intel, Microsoft, Nike, Dell, AT&T Accenture,
American Express, Boeing, PGA, and Deutsche Bank. The center cost $25
million to complete.
The TWLC is located next to the H. G. Miller Golf Course, where Woods
played during high school, and just miles from Woods's childhood home in
Cypress, CA. True to Woods's chosen vocation, the center also has a
driving range and an 18-hole putting course.
"This is their center, and I hope it serves as a launching pad to great
success," Woods said.
