Trahan Architects

Magnolia Mound Visitors Center

Magnolia Mound Visitors Center

         MAGNOLIA MOUND VISITORS CENTER

Trahan Architects

LEAD ARCHITECTS
Victor F. “trey” Trahan, Iii, Faia

MANUFACTURERS
Bendheim, Tripyramid, Dolese Bros. Co., Gulf Coast Glass Products, Rmd Kwikform North America

CIVIL ENGINEERING
Abmb Engineers

CULTURAL PLANNER
Lord Cultural Resources

STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING
Mclaren Engineering Group

GENERAL CONTRACTOR
Omega General Contractors

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE
Reed Hilderbrand

MEP ENGINEERING
Ast Engineers

TEAM
Michael Mccune, Sarah Cancienne, Ben Rath, Mark Hash, Brad Mcwhirter, Kim Nguyen

                                         PHOTOGRAPHS
                                Timothy Hursley

AREA
4000 Ft²

YEAR
2013

LOCATION
United States

CATAGORY
Visitor Center

Text description provided by architect.

Situated on high ground adjacent to the Mississippi River, Magnolia Mound was a working plantation established in 1791.

Magnolia Mound Visitors Center
© Timothy Hursley
Magnolia Mound Visitors Center
© Timothy Hursley

Today, Magnolia Mound’s mission is to illustrate and interpret the French Creole lifestyle through educational programs, workshops, lectures, festivals and other special events.

The design intent of the project is to emphasize the importance of site and topography as it relates to Magnolia Mound.

Magnolia Mound Visitors Center
Courtesy of Trahan Architects
Magnolia Mound Visitors Center
© Timothy Hursley

The minimal intervention seeks to elevate the existing historic buildings and site by establishing a clear threshold for visitors as they circulate around the base of the mound.

As one transitions through the new visitor center and ascends to the top of the mound, the building merges with the landscape to become unobtrusive and imperceptible.

Magnolia Mound Visitors Center
© Timothy Hursley
Magnolia Mound Visitors Center
© Timothy Hursley

The top of the new structure aligns with the elevation of the high ground of the mound, establishing a datum which links old and new architecture on site.

Translucent channel glass was selected to subtly obscure occupants within and around the new building like an impressionist painting – blurring the distinction between new and old, building and landscape.

Magnolia Mound Visitors Center
© Timothy Hursley
Magnolia Mound Visitors Center
Courtesy of Trahan Architects

The museum display cases were designed as a complementary element to the new architectural intervention.

Inspired by the work of Donald Judd and Sol Lewitt, these solid aluminum fixtures attempt to bridge between sculpture, furniture, and architecture; providing storage space, display opportunities, and point of sale.

Magnolia Mound Visitors Center
Courtesy of Trahan Architects


Magnolia Mound Visitors Center
Section and Ground Floor Plan
Magnolia Mound Visitors Center
Site Plan


Magnolia Mound Visitors Center
Section Details
Magnolia Mound Visitors Center
Details


Magnolia Mound Visitors Center
Program Diagram
Magnolia Mound Visitors Center
Sketch

Trahan Architects
T +1 504 5229033
Trahan Architects
701 Poydras St #150p, New Orleans, LA 70139, United States