The dedication of the New Old Faithful Visitor's Education Center took place on Wednesday August 25, 2010. After being involved with the design for a culmination of 11 years, CTA Architects Engineers was on hand to enjoy the celebration of the $27 Million, LEED- Gold Certified Visitors Center.
The 25,795 SF building is designed to accommodate peak loads of 25,000 visitors each day in July and August. The Old Faithful Geyser Basin has a unique balance between underground water systems and geothermal heat. This "plumbing system" is the driving force behind the hot pots, steam vents, and geysers. The building was designed to be thermally invisible to the ground beneath it.
The inspiration for design was taken from the Arts and Crafts style and the Adirondack Camp influence of the nearby Old Faithful Inn, all of this focused on creating the perfect view sheds for the surrounding historic buildings, Upper Geyser Basin, and Old Faithful. As you enter the building you are enamored with exhibits and floor to ceiling windows that frame the picturesque Old Faithful Geyser and the beautiful surrounding landscape.
The ceremony on Wednesday was a momentous occasion as the crowd gathered to celebrate and witness the opening of the center. With the Wyoming National Guard's band playing "America the Beautiful" and Old Faithful erupting in the background as if planned, the day was a success.
Old Faithful Visitor Education Center in the NY Times
Photo Gallery: for Old Faithful Visitors Education Center
The 25,795 SF building is designed to accommodate peak loads of 25,000 visitors each day in July and August. The Old Faithful Geyser Basin has a unique balance between underground water systems and geothermal heat. This "plumbing system" is the driving force behind the hot pots, steam vents, and geysers. The building was designed to be thermally invisible to the ground beneath it.
The inspiration for design was taken from the Arts and Crafts style and the Adirondack Camp influence of the nearby Old Faithful Inn, all of this focused on creating the perfect view sheds for the surrounding historic buildings, Upper Geyser Basin, and Old Faithful. As you enter the building you are enamored with exhibits and floor to ceiling windows that frame the picturesque Old Faithful Geyser and the beautiful surrounding landscape.
The ceremony on Wednesday was a momentous occasion as the crowd gathered to celebrate and witness the opening of the center. With the Wyoming National Guard's band playing "America the Beautiful" and Old Faithful erupting in the background as if planned, the day was a success.
Old Faithful Visitor Education Center in the NY Times
Photo Gallery: for Old Faithful Visitors Education Center
