Observation
Welcome Center at Eco-Resort in Pensacola Florida
Program………………Commercial
Location………………Pensacola Florida
Area…………………….6150 sf
Status………………….Design
The Welcome Center serves as an introduction to the site as well as to the ideals expressed in the creation of the Eco Resort. Visitors enter at a ground level exhibit highlighting the fragility of the local ecosystem. The exhibit continues upwards reaching an observation tower at the tree canopy. Here visitors are able to see the broad view of the site and see the interconnectedness of the ecological systems. By elevating the structure, disturbance to the site is minimized allowing water to flow unimpeded through the soil while permitting plants and animals to traverse in shade as they would have in the shade of trees.
Adaptation and longevity were key drivers in the design of the Eco Resort. The vernacular building techniques from the local architecture are adapted for the use of steel, one of the most durable and highly recyclable materials. The Corten steel chosen for much of this building’s façade, weathers to create a protective rusted patina which will vary depending upon the amount of sun, wind and water received by each section of the building. The rich and varied colors and textures of this building changes with time as its surroundings change with the seasons. Wind is harvested at the stairs of the observation deck while the wall panels are designed to operate on different wind conditions constantly prevalent above the tree canopy. By locating the majority of the windows on the North façade of the gallery space, summer cooling demands are reduced yet allowing diffuse natural light to enter the space. The operable windows allow for cooling breezes which flow above and below the elevated building extracting hot air from the spaces via negative pressure.
