Term: FALL 2016
Location: MALHEUR FIELD STATION, HARNEY COUNTY, OR
Course: STUDIO
The vastness of Malheur Wildlife Refuge provides for limitless shaping opportunities. The site has experienced several historical events since its development, yet still encompasses the pristine beauty of the high desert. The current refuge is in a state of dilapidation. The buildings over-allocate square footage to outdated uses. The proposed plan would focus on downsizing the footprints of the structures.
The dining hall is poised to be the nucleus of the complex determined by existing vehicular traffic and remaining central for pedestrian access. The construction will highlight the expansive views to the west. The structures require flexibility to accommodate multiple, varied and simultaneous activities. Open floor plans with modular and adaptive spaces will be utilized to preserve the ideal. Visitors of the refuge can include school-age children on day trips as well as extended-stay researchers, and their varied activities must be accommodated. The dining walls can be opened up to bring furniture beyond the envelope on a nice day, but also provide the convenience to shutter the exterior to provide a cozy hearth during the slow winter season. Similarly, the cabins also open their façade to encourage guests to experience the outdoors. Upon entering the field station, guests are welcomed into the more public activities of the gift shop and museum transitioning to the more private enclave of the residences.
Cost, durability and ease of maintenance are driving design factors, while keeping keen attention tuned to mitigating environmental impact. Daylighting, building orientation, the use of photovoltaic cells and water collection are all factors which will be employed. Several plans can also be prefabricated and assembled on-site. The timber and galvanized steel materials aim to encompass simplicity and not overshadow natural surroundings. The steel will weather with time turning from a contrasting cool shine to be intermittently rusted merging into the palette of the landscape.
The Malheur Wildlife Refuge provides an important service to visitors– the ability to experience the flora and fauna of the area. The field station is on the flightpath of thousands of migratory birds and home to sensitive wetlands that require the landscape to be preserved as we experience it lightly.