The
Research Center
In Detail
The Research Center is a simple, efficient, and
versatile facility that provides work space,
storage, and housing for visiting researchers. It
is available to anyone whose work will add to the
understanding, preservation, and protection of this
unique ecosystem. The versatile design will allow
it to double as a small conference center and also
as a classroom for visiting students.
The Research Center has been designed for
minimal environmental impact. It is a modest
facility, unobtrusive from the outside yet roomy
and functional on the inside. The site previously
held two portable buildings used as office and
research space. These buildings were razed in 1994.
Since then, researchers have had to make do with
the campground, which lacks lighting and showers,
or with seasonal ranger housing, which has limited
availability.
The new lab, equipped with large work tables,
will provide space for spreading out and drafting
maps, charts and other documents. Biologists,
geologists, and others will be able to prepare and
preserve specimens at the large sink and work
counter. The specimens can then be transported to
more fully equipped labs for detailed analysis.
Ample storage will allow scientists to leave
equipment and supplies on-site, eliminating the
need to repeatedly transport bulky materials.
The Research Center includes two small bedrooms,
sleeping three people each. Additional sleeping
accommodations will be provided by fold out beds in
the meeting area. In spring, summer, and fall, the
deck will provide still more sleeping space. The
facility is fully handicapped accessible.
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"Park"itecture
Echos the Landscape
Richard Minert, owner of Minert
Architects and long time caver, generously
donated his services to design and oversee
construction of the Research Center. As plans for
the facility evolved, so did the external
appearance, to more closely reflect the local
landscape. Long sloping rooflines recall the
sinuous ridges of lava which permeate the park. A
lava fieldstone fence, yet to be constructed,
integrates the building with the local landscape
and the Visitor Center. Richard's experience and
expertise have delivered a facility which is
distinctive, and yet blends well with nearby
structures and complements the environment.
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