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PORTFOLIO: PARKS & RECREATION
LEED® - NC (silver)
Denali Visitor Center
Denali National Park & Preserve, Alaska
Interpretive Design: Aldrich Pears Associates
2006 Citation Award (Civic Building)
American Institute of Architects, Alaska Chapter
This new visitor center provides for interpretive exhibits, contact with Park Rangers and information about the Park, a theater/auditorium, and administrative spaces for Park staff. The project is an opportunity to provide a living example of sustainable principals. The design goal was a building that:
+ Absorbs energy from its natural surroundings to benefit visitors.
+ Compliments its natural surroundings.
+ Is constructed with sustainable building materials.
+ Forms a thematic tie to human cultural awareness.
The center is part of a campus of facilities, and is hierarchically the prominent destination. This is significant, as visitors must journey by train or auto for hundreds of miles through remote Alaska to this destination. As the gateway to this National Park, it was critical that the site be organized to promote a nature-focused experience. This was accomplished by eliminating or relocating poorly–sited previous development, and organizing site circulation to segregate pedestrian and vehicular movement. Environmentally-harmful techniques have been replaced by sustainable practices.
The detailing and use of materials draws inspiration from the craftsmanship of historic park facilities, yet is updated to modern building techniques. Crisp lines are replaced by the organic irregularity found in nature. The new campus is left untreated to appear as though buildings have grown organically over time. In the end, the treatments contribute to a fresh, yet familiar visitor experience, which heighten awareness of the natural environment while serving functional needs.
The U.S. Green Building Council awarded the project a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Silver rating.
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Project Details
15,000 sq ft
Completion: September 2005
Client: National Park Service
General Contractor: Davis Constructors & Engineers
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