Everglades Research Center

Advanced Design B | Powers | Spring 2022

Florida’s everglades are in decline with water qualities worsening from human pollution. The Ecological Science Research Center for Everglades National Park sits on the edge of the marsh closely monitoring the water while providing a place for its inhabitants to live harmoniously with their surroundings. Moments along the main circulation branch off into the river for recreation, exploration, and reflection.

Residents sleep amongst the Everglade’s vast avian wildlife fifteen to twenty-five foot above grade with views of the vast pine to the North and communal spaces facing the water. Early Seminole inhabitants of the Everglades gathered near the waters edge around a campfire to eat and share stories. The lodge at the center of the village acts as a focal gathering point with a watchtower at the end overwatching the wildlife and the research center’s inhabitants.

Final Design

Birdseye of research center

The ecological science research center is interconnected by walkways elevated 5’ above grade along the edge of the marsh. The lodge is located inbetween the cabins to the West and the science labs to the East acting as a focal gathering place for the facility’s occupants. The main circulation branches out to moments along the water’s edge and crosses the slough ending at the watchtower to the West.