The terracing of the land inspired me into designing a building that serves as both a visitor center and a transition space for the abbey. The building unfolds into a series of slopped green roofs that layer the architecture into the landscape. The sloped roofs create interstitial spatial relationships and keep the visitor engaged through a network of multidirectional paths. Daylight design was a factor in massing the building, acting as a defining characteristic of the interior spaces. The biggest window openings in the building were placed on the south façade. A horizontal louvre systems controls the intense summer sun entering the building. On the east and west facade smaller openings are flanked by native trees that offset heat gain during the day. Light penetrates the core of the building through narrow apertures. The stimulating displays of light in the building’s interior transcends the measurable into the unmeasurable.

Published: January 23, 2016