Minnewaska State Park Preserve Visitor Center

The Minnewaska State Park Visitor Center introduces visitors of all kinds to the Preserve; serving as a home for its caretakers; and housing exhibits that explicate the wonders of the surrounding landscape. BKSK envisioned a building that is experientially an extension of the park – quietly connecting one to the unique beauty of the natural environment, enlivened by seasonal and daily change, and serving as a frame from which to engage the outdoors. Our aim is to develop a connection between the ecological system of the site and the new building – creating a dynamic environment that can evolve over time.

Through integrative workshops with the client group, we listened to the need to transform the visitor experience, allowing visitors to understand the significance of the landscape, and inspire them to protect it for future generations. We incorporated design thinking into a building that can support education programs for all ages, guide stewardship through sustainable design, and celebrate and highlight the unique local ecosystem. The design accounts for the current lack of amenities on the site, the need for a new facility with sufficient bathrooms, a place to regroup and get one’s bearings, and a meeting place for groups who gather regularly.