A nature center for the city of Nacogdoches, Texas

Abstract

Thesis Statement: Through integrating the building construction with the hill and rocks on the site and bringing parts of the forest inside, this facility will pro\ ide a learning environment that will inform people about behavior in nature and how the works of mankind can relate to their surrounding natural environment. The facility's construction will be integrated with the hill by burrowing part of the building into the hill and creating walls of stone. In addition to the use of wood, the stones will be placed to help form the structure. I'sing natural elements such as a creek, pond and small trees will create an aesthetically pleasing environment that will help reduce stress and enhance the mood for learning about natural phenomena. Seeing architecture emerging out of the sloping hillside and forest will allow visitors to begin the mental process of seeing the facility as one element in nature having a relation to with other elements in its natural surroundings. Context Statement: The natural context is the main element that will drive the design. The site is on the east side of Nacogdoches, 2.5 miles southeast of Stephen F. .\ustin University in a dense forest consisting of longleaf. Loblolly, Slash pines and oak trees. The building site is on the side of a hill that has a pond. A creek flows from the pond to the La Nana River. The buildings in town consist of Victorian houses and Greek Revival public buildings. The Nacogdoches population is 57,379, and the majority of the residents are white. Most people are either farmers, cattle ranchers, manufacturers or college students. The city has a rich history beginning with the Nacogdoches Indians and continuing through Spanish settlement and a central role in Texas Revolutionary efforts. The town is not fast-paced like larger cities. When people are inside the facility, they should feel relaxed and open to the world of learning. When they depart, they should leave with a greater understanding of how man can constructively use natural elements and positively interact with nature. Facility Statement: The facility will be a natural science center for biologists, tourists, students, and the general public. The Nacogdoches County Natural Science Center will be a facility that will reshape visitors' views on nature and give them more insight into how to interact with nature in a more positive, harmonious way. The facility will provide exhibits illustrating how nature behaves and will feature structural elements that are exciting to observe because of their resemblance to forms in nature. The facility will occupy three square acres along the creek and have a maximum occupancy of 300 people.

Description

Keywords

Architecture, Nature centers -- Designs and plans.

Citation