(;+,%,7& Mount Constitution Interpretive Center, Orcas Island, WA Content/Concept Development for Exhibit Design • FEBRUARY 17, 2017 Table of Contents 1.0 Introduction ..................................................................1 1.1 This Document ........................................................................... 1 1.2 Project Description ....................................................................... 1 1.3 Scope Of Work ........................................................................... 1 1.4 Work To Date ............................................................................. 2 1.5 Interpretive Goals ........................................................................ 2 1.6 Audience & Visitation ..................................................................... 3 2.0 Interpretive Framework .........................................................5 2.1 Visitor Experience overview .............................................................. 5 2.2 Thematic Approach ...................................................................... 6 2.3 Conceptual Organization ................................................................. 7 2.6 Visitor Experience Walkthrough ........................................................... 8 3.0 Design Approach ............................................................. 23 3.1 Design Approach .......................................................................23 3.2 Graphic Approach ......................................................................27 3.3 Text Approach ..........................................................................30 3.4 Approach to Image Acquisition .........................................................31 4.0 Budget Allocations ........................................................... 32 5.0 Next Steps ................................................................... 33 6.0 Appendix ................................................................... 34 D Mount Constitution Interpretive Center, Orcas Island, WA | Content/Concept Development 1.0 Introduction 1.1 THIS DOCUMENT 1.2 PROJECT DESCRIPTION 1.3 SCOPE OF WORK This document incorporates feedback from Washington State Together, Mount Constitution and the Observation Tower that As part of Patano Studio Architecture’s team, APA has been Parks staff and stakeholders on the Draft Content/Concept sits at its peak make up one of the foremost attractions at the contracted to complete interpretive design services for the document for exhibits at the new Mount Constitution Interpretive stunningly beautiful, world-renowned Moran State Park in Content/Concept Development Phase of the project. New exhibits Center on Orcas Island in Washington State. It is the final northwest Washington State. The summit provides an unparalleled will support existing experiences at the site and integrate with submittal for the Content/Concept Development Phase led panoramic view of the other San Juan Islands, the Cascade the new interpretive center designed by the architecture firm. by AldrichPears Associates (APA) as part of Patano Studio Mountains and surrounding cities. It also connects visitors to Content/Concept Development Phase Architecture’s design team. Any feedback on this document will be networks of trails and recreational opportunities spread across incorporated into design work in the subsequent design phase. the mountain and the rest of the park. The concept phase includes a draft and a final submittal. This final submittal incorporates feedback received from Washington State Please note that this document represents the interpretive and Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission is Parks on January 20, 2017. It includes: programming design of the new building only. In other words, undertaking a significant interpretive exhibit development project it is not an architectural document although it will help to inform at the site that will include two phases of work: Content/Concept • Updated messaging, text outlines and storylines the design of the new Mount Constitution Interpretive Center. Development and Design Development. The current document • Text approach The floor plans used in this document are for context only and focuses on the conceptual development of exhibits for a new • Updated content matrix do not represent the final layout of the building which has yet building which will replace the Summit Learning Center. While • Updated design approach to be designed. the current exhibits are well loved by visitors and locals alike, an • Materials and finishes approach updated, more cohesive interpretive approach is needed. • Final conceptual floor plan New exhibits will help visitors appreciate the significance • Preliminary artifact list of Mount Constitution in the context of their journey to the • Graphic design approach, with samples park, the summit, and, for those who are able to climb it, the • Preliminary image list Observation Tower. They will understand the geological origins of the mountain, its unique ecology, and why human and natural • Refined sketches communities have been drawn to it for thousands of years. • Revised budget and schedule Please note that Design Development is the proposed next phase of work but is yet to be contracted. 1 1.4 WORK TO DATE 1.5 INTERPRETIVE GOALS On June 20, 2016 APA travelled to Orcas Island to conduct a site Workshop Participants Goals for interpretation at the new MCIC emerged from discussions visit and hold a start-up meeting with Patano Studio Architecture Community Members during the start-up meeting and Content Development Workshop. and Washington State Parks staff. The day also included a tour of They speak directly to Washington State Parks’ broader mission to the Orcas Island Historical Museum from volunteer archivist Edrie • Sandi Talt (Friends of Moran State Park) “connect all Washingtonians to their diverse natural and cultural Vinson. On June 21, APA held a Content Development Workshop • Fred Klein (Stakeholder) heritage and provide memorable recreational and educational with stakeholders and community members interested in the • Rolf Eriksen (Happy Acres Construction, experiences that enhance their lives.” development of the new Mount Constitution Interpretive Center Summit Remodel Contractor) The goals for the site include: (MCIC) and Moran State Park in general. • David Castor (Former WSPRC Park Ranger/Hatchery volunteer) 1. Building meaningful connections that help visitors • Jacqueline Daigle (Friends of Moran State Park) During the workshop APA presented on the guiding principles understand the broader story of Mount Constitution, of the interpretive design process and conducted a brainstorming • Edrie Vinson (Orcas Island Historical Museum) from geological formation, to ecological communities, exercise to build consensus and draw out ideas for potential visitor • Harold Lentzner (Orcas Island Historical Museum) to historical and contemporary human use. experiences at the new MCIC. • Elsie Pamuk (Friends of Moran State Park) 2. Providing indoor interpretive elements that inspire visitors to This document builds on what we saw at the site and heard in • Kat Barnard (Orcas Wild, OISD) explore the natural world outside of the interpretive center. these meetings, fleshing out these ideas into a conceptual approach • Carla Stanley (Artist/Community member) 3. Serving as a key orientation facility for Moran for the interpretive elements at the new MCIC. • Margie Doyle (Orcas Issues) State Park and the San Juan Islands. • Fiona Stone (Concessionaire) 4. Creating experiences for diverse audiences, age groups and learning styles including those specifically designed to engage children and youth. Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission 5. Offering experiences that complement and enhance • Barbara Alten (WSPRC, Construction Project Coordinator) interpretation at other sites in the park. • Ryan Karlson (WSPRC, Interpretive Program Manager) 6. Encouraging respect for the historical and natural elements at the site. • Sam Wotipka (WSPRC, Exhibit Development Coordinator) 7. Providing like experiences for visitors who may not be able • Ted Schlund (WSPRC, San Juan Region Manager) to access the Observation Tower or other viewpoints. • Patricia Anderson (WSPRC, Ranger 3) 8. Creating opportunities for sustainable revenue generation. • Kate Weatherford (Office Assistant for Moran State Park) Project Consultants • Christopher Patano (Studio Director, Patano Studio Architecture) • Sophie Gao (Patano Studio Architecture) • Gail Hazell (Partner, Senior Designer, AldrichPears Associates) • Anna Wilkinson (Content Developer, AldrichPears Associates) • Cathryn Bingham (Graphic Designer, AldrichPears Associates) 2 Mount Constitution Interpretive Center, Orcas Island, WA | Content/Concept Development 1.6 AUDIENCE & VISITATION 1.6.1 Current Audiences 1.6.2 Target Audiences 1.6.3 Current Use There are a number of key audience groups at the summit As expressed during the Content Development Workshop, family- Whether travelling by vehicle, foot or bicycle, visitors’ first of Mount Constitution. These include: oriented experiences will be a top priority for the new interpretive experience of the site is in the parking lot adjacent to the current • Families, both local and from out of town center. However, instead of aiming to increase the total number of Summit Learning Center. It should be noted that due to its layout, family unit visitors, the goal should be to provide a more focused the parking lot is unable