Perot Museum of Nature and Science, Dallas (must see)

The Perot Museum is what one would imagine happening when elementary school textbooks come to life. Everything one sees here is not only interesting, but also educational – and hands on! It's an educational wonder, with no limit to the amount of learning that can take place. While geared towards children, there is still plenty to catch the attention of adults, from the birth of the solar system to modern technological breakthroughs in engineering and energy harvesting.

The architecture alone draws you in to this multi-story learning experience. Designed by 2005 Pritzker Prize Laureate Thom Mayne, the building was conceived as a large cube floating over a landscaped plinth (or base) and is designed to inspire awareness of science through an immersive and interactive environment. In collaboration with Dallas-based landscape architects, the plinth was landscaped with a 1-acre rolling green roof consisting of rock and native drought-resistant grasses that reflects Texas' indigenous landscape and demonstrates a living system that will evolve naturally over time.

By integrating architecture, nature and technology, the building's design demonstrates scientific principles and is used as a teaching tool that provides living examples of engineering, sustainability and technology at work. It also integrates a variety of sustainable strategies including a rainwater collection system that captures run-off water from the roof and parking lot, satisfying 74% of the museum's non-potable water needs and 100% of its irrigation needs.