by Edward Riddell, with Tom Kundig

Early in the design process of the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center in Grand Teton National Park, Bohlin Cywinski Jackson made several key design decisions that were critical to the success of the project.

First, they successfully lobbied to separate the building from the parking lot. Our culture's obsession with big box stores fronted by parking lots made this a tough sell. The design team argued that people should separate themselves from their cars and decompress from the worries of the road during the short walk from their car to the building. The board of trustees of the Grand Teton National Park Foundation agreed.

The site enjoys a spectacular view of the Teton Range. The architects felt the building should not try to compete with that view, but enhance it. As visitors approach the building, the view of the mountain range is temporarily blocked as the mountains recede behind the undulating roof line that echoes the jagged skyline. They proceed through a calm and ordered courtyard which, with its two boulders, reminds us of the glacial history of the valley.

Finally, passage through a low entry reveals a roof that soars up to the west, culminating in a nearly 30-foot- (nine-meter-) high glass curtain wall that looks directly to the Teton Range. Visitors stop right there to catch their breath. At that moment, they are hooked.   >>>

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SUBSCRIPTION SAMPLE The Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center in Wyoming's Grand Tetons National Park was designed by Bohlin Cywinski Jackson. Photo: Nic Lehoux/ Courtesy ORO Editions Extra Large Image A bookstore operated by the Grand Teton Association is an extension of the center's public spaces. Photo: Nic Lehoux/ Courtesy ORO Editions Extra Large Image   Click on thumbnail images to view full-size pictures.