Mass Timber Research and Interpretive Center

Throughout this project, I am attempting to explore how our site can be the backbone to Gulfport similar to how the port and the people are the backbone of the economy. Understanding the relationships between zones, population, events, and tourism, are essential to unfolding the solution to increasing tourism and bettering the economy in Gulfport, MS. So after many iterations, I landed on a design that consisted of 7 parallelogram shaped buildings connected by bridges. This idea allows my building to “unfold” as one moves throughout the site.This organization of forms allows wind to flow naturally through the openness of the building and the site while also allowing sunlight to reach all throughout the buildings. Since this design frequents hurricanes, we were required to raise our design above the Base Flood Elevation. This can oftentimes create a space that is neglected and becomes a place where trash piles up. That is why I created a program that is a multipurpose event venue that can be used for weddings, receptions, corporate events, or small concerts. In addition to the event venue, I created these rainwater waterfall features that recycles rainwater and discards it into the bioretention area that is attached to it. It also serves as a bench where people can sit and relax. For my second program, I really wanted to encourage tourism and nightlife, so I created a roof top bar that could be a great attraction with great views of the city, the beach, and the marina.