Page 9 - Winter 2014 magazine

Photo by Chelise Simmons

used to water the landscaping surrounding it. Visitors to the center can spend a few minutes or
hours experi-
A unique feature of the build-
encing the in-
ing’s design is the concrete teractive dis-
walls that provide the neces- plays that
sary structure to support the
are provided
large roof planes that shelter
while soaking
each of the Four Elements in the beauty
exhibits.
of the area. If
you have not

Centered between a service had the oppor- Create your own dust devil — resembling
a mini-tornado — with this interactive
core and a wing wall, each tunity to go to display in the Air Pavilion.
exhibit is designed to provide
Photo by Pat Williams the Visitor Photo by Pat Williams
a comfortable microclimate Center at Red
for visitors. Shade, evaporative cooling and large Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, do so and
energy efficient fans temper the exhibit spaces in you’ll leave with a better understanding of this truly
summer, while calculated roof overhangs allow the remarkable place.
low winter sun to enter the space for warmth.

The wing walls along the west side of the exhibits But what about the old Visitor Center? It has been
shelter users from the harsh summer evening sun completely refurbished and now provides office space
and protect them from cold winds in the winter. for BLM and Red Rock Canyon Interpretive Associa-
tion employees and an office for the Friends of Red
Fire Pavilion Rock Canyon. If you did not know the difference,
roof vents recir-
culate exhaust you would think that the whole complex is new.
from the Visitor We should thank the architect for the project—Line
Center HVAC
system. This pro- and Space, LLC— for their innovative design and the
vides conditioned contractor— Straub Construction — for providing us
air during all with a beautiful Visitor Center. The 52,700 sq. ft.
seasons.
project area shows the attention to detail that can be
enjoyed for years to come.
Photo by Pat Williams
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