Mt. Mitchell Interpretive Center
Framing the Mount
Fall 2019
Rhino, Illustrator, Photoshop, Enscape
The intention behind the design was to exploit the natural beauty and significance of the preserve through formal and spatial design strategies. Although it may seem insignificant at first glance, Mt. Mitchell is full of rich history. It played a role during the "Bleeding Kansas" era, early American exploration, and even encompassing Native American burial grounds. Embracing these elements with the overarching goal of preservation is the method in which I choose to tell the narrative of Mt. Mitchell to the visitors. In its context, Mt. Mitchell begins to be lost with the surrounding landscape. Consequently, this historic site's importance has seemed to be lost in history. The wood siding selected and the subtly sloped roofs match the area's contextual surroundings, allowing the visitor to focus on the preserve and not the interpretive center on arrival. To bring back this importance to the landmark, the entrance to the building dramatically reveals the mount by framing it with two large planes of the building faces. The blockage of the surrounding allows for the authentic experience of what the site stands for. This experience is continued throughout the two masses as the ends facing the mount are open. The pushing effect created by the frame and openings is magnified by the wood siding's progressive spacing, leading the visitor to explore the preserve intimately. The story begins and ends by revealing the beauty of Mt. Mitchell.