The new visitor center was designed to be compatible with the Old Faithful Historic District and to establish its own unique identity as a contemporary building. Acting as a portal between the built environment and the natural environment, the transparent Lobby draws visitors in to find services, education, and inspiration.

To prevent inadvertent disruption of the geyser basin dynamics excavation depth was limited. Crawlspace has controlled ventilation and concrete in contact with the ground is minimized to
make the building footprint thermally transparent.

The Visitor Center is 25,600 sf in area. It features a 3,500 sf Lobby with expansive views across the geyser basin and of Old Faithful Geyser, 5,000 sf Exhibits Hall featuring hydro-thermal forces, 215 seat auditorium, bookstore, and administrative offices.

Building cooling is via night air flush and evaporative chiller. Lobby utilizes natural convection for ventilation. 98% of construction waste has been diverted from landfill disposal. Building insulation is pulled outside the structural frame, reducing thermal bridging. Vented cold roof design keeps building cooler in summer and reduces damaging ice damming in winter.

The New Old Faithful Visitor Education Center will see 25,000 visitors a day during summer months.