Salt Layers and Legacy
Second Year StudioJefferson Island, Louisiana is the result of the formation of an underground salt dome pushing land upward and creating a large hillside. This environmental education center would be located on the dome’s hillside and open to anyone who wants to learn more about the salt mine’s history.
The project is made up of three rectangular masses placed on a step shaped landscape. Each building has unique excavated moments containing gardens and grand windows to peer inside exhibits. In order to have a final arrival at Lake Peigneur, an ADA compliant ramp curves in between the masses, acting as a nature trail. This creates a specific circulation to allow visitors to experience every program and end up where they started at the top of the hill.
The interior space is organized by thick walls, which provides storage for less prominent programs and for extensions of certain exhibits. The main mining exhibit is located in the first building and has a salt dome that towers through all three floors. One can travel from the first building to the second building without having to step outside by walking through an underground tunnel. The second building holds more exhibit space on the ground floor and a movie room on the second floor. Closest to the water front is the third building, which contains an outdoor classroom and cafe.
Courtyard Perspective
Ground Floor Plan
Second Floor Plan
Outdoor Cafe Perspective
Site Section | North - South
Section | North - South
Underground Tunnel Perspective
Section | East - West
Hand Cut and Laser Cut Model