I55 Welcome Center
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Architecture
Interior Design
Programming
Site Planning
Wayfinding/Signage -
Comprehensive Planning
Enhanced Site Accessibility
Heat Island Effect Mitigation
Light Pollution Reduction
Low Maintenance Materials
Passive Building Envelope
Rainwater Management -
Completed July 2017
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Memphis, Tennessee
The design strategy for a replacement welcome center was guided by a desire to elevate the building type with simple, sustainable building principles and passive energy saving techniques selected to reduce taxpayer costs over the lifespan of the facility.
The project consolidates the original building spaces while preserving all of the restroom and tourism capacity anticipated with the imminent completion of the I-69 corridor. The building, poised to become the State’s first net-zero energy building, would generate more energy than it uses over the course of a year upon installation of the solar arrays.
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Additional sustainable design features include a high-performing building envelope, efficient building systems, passive techniques including roof overhangs and sunshades, and site analysis for optimal building orientation. The primary structure and secondary storage buildings are both long and thin structures with roof pitch at the optimal angle to generate PV power. This proportion provides more exposure for PV panels, easier access for natural light in every space, allows adequate space for separate car and truck parking areas, and minimizes the number of trees removed for the project. Low maintenance materials are used on the exterior and interior, reducing building costs over its lifespan. Low flow faucets and toilets are used throughout, designed to save an estimated 36,000 gallons of water a year. The highway-scaled sculpture that has been on the site since 1987 will remain and has been incorporated as a part of the center with ongoing fundraising to restore it. The project includes distinct parking areas for both larger tractor-trailer rigs and smaller vehicles.
