Grand Teton National Park Discovery and Visitor Center

National Park Service, Jackson, Wyoming

 
The new Grand Teton Discovery and Visitor Center is sited between a sagebrush meadow and a riparian forest along the Snake River. Approaching through a grove of spruce, cottonwood and aspen trees, visitors are drawn into a courtyard that provides a calm and intimate place in the vast Wyoming landscape. The proportions of this outdoor space accommodate groups of people for gatherings and orientation. The roof tilts upward and away from the courtyard, its jagged edges celebrating the peaks of the Teton Range beyond.

Entering through a vestibule at the north end of the courtyard, visitors are drawn into the 'heart' of the building; a large gathering hall that accommodates many functions with the magnificent view of the Teton Range as a backdrop. A large concrete and stone fireplace acts as the focal point of the room. Additional program elements including a bookstore, art gallery and classroom are located adjacent to the gathering space.

The new Grand Teton Discovery and Visitor Center pays homage to the strong tradition of rustic architecture in the national parks while remaining fully modern in its design, execution and interpretive mission.

The architecture, landscape and interpretive elements of the new visitor center are carefully and sensitively integrated to provide a rich experience for the visitor.

Awards

2011 Honor Award
AIA Northwest and Pacific
2010 Green GOOD DESIGN
The European Center for Architecture and The Chicago Athenaeum
2009 Honor Award
AIA Seattle
2008 Silver Medal
AIA Pennsylvania
2008 American Architecture Awards
Chicago Athenaeum
2007 Award of Excellence
AIA Northeastern Pennsylvania
2007 Honor Award
2007 Wood Design Awards
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Related Links

External: Grand Teton National Park Foundation
External: AIA Architect: Visitor Center Mirrors Magnificence of Grant Tetons
News: Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center Opened August 11
News: Grand Teton: A National Park Building Book Release
News: Honor Award for Grand Teton Discovery and Visitor Center
Client: Other projects for National Park Service