EASTERN SIERRA INTER-AGENCY VISITOR CENTER

Description

Sited at the foot of Mt. Whitney, the Visitor Center is located in a twelve-acre spectacular valley bounded by the Inyo Mountains to the east and the Eastern Sierra Nevada to the west. The program for this gateway to California’s high desert includes a gallery of the history, flora and fauna, a bookstore, staff offices, services for hikers and tourists, regional native plant gardens, picnic areas, and viewpoints.

The architecture is intended to convey a bond and immediacy with the locale's history and environment. The design expression evokes the region's spirit while being critically informed by the political events and environmental lessons of the past. This is demonstrated through green design and with the use of simple site elements and building forms that recall the geometries and materials of the region's agricultural and rail-road history, respectfully complementing the majesty of the environment. The Visitor Center tells the “water story” of the Owens’ River Valley—how the delicate balance of the eco-system has changed as the area has become an important source of water for the City of Los Angeles.

The primary materials employed are clear stained Cedar siding, local Basalt rock (from a Westgard Pass mountain) and Zincalume. The simple geometries are proportioned, oriented, and located for views of the mountains and meadows. Functional elements, such as sun shade devices, rain chains, lighting fixtures, and trellises, add visually enriching details to the interior and exterior of the structure. To provide habitat and promote bio-diversity, restoration of the original natural meadow was essential. Within the meadow, an existing water course was channeled to perform aesthetic narrative and pragmatic functions. Given the extreme seasonal temperatures of the valley and acreage of the site, geo-thermal technology was ideal for drawing energy from the earth’s constant temperature. 

The social mission—to educate and enlighten visitors about the region’s natural and cultural history, ecology, and geography—was paramount in the development of the project. The objective was not only to provide an oasis for weary travelers along Highway 395, but to take that opportunity to inspire the public through education about the region and particular attention to environmental issues. Ultimately, the project itself is a demonstration of “Sustainable Design” principles in the context of a damaged yet beautiful environment in need of rehabilitation.

Details

Location Lone Pine, CA
Year 2004
Size 7,200 square feet

Awards

2018 APR Urban Design and Architecture Design Awards First Place Winner

2008 California Wood Design Awards Green Building Award

2007 AIA San Francisco Chapter Citation Award

2005 AIA East Bay Chapter Merit Award
AIA California Council and PG&E Savings by Design Awards Citation Award

Team

Client US Forest Service
Architect Marcy Wong Donn Logan Architects
Landscape Architect Lutsko Associates
General Contractor Atherton Construction
Energy Consultant Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
Structural Engineer The Crosby Group
Mechanical Engineer Mechanical Design Studio, Inc.
Electrical Engineer SCE Engineers
Lighting Engineer Architectural Lighting Design
Acoustical Engineer Charles M. Salter Associates, Inc.
Civil Engineer Permco Engineering & Management
Lighting Designer Architectural Lighting Design
Photographer Billy Hustace Photography