Walden Pond Visitor Center | Alfredo Pimentel

For Thoreau, refining his understanding of raw truth could only be accomplished when one is isolated in nature and left with their own devices. Of these devices, intuitive sensory becomes an important factor when put in an environment like that of Walden. The intent of this intervention was to delicately position artifacts that not only respect their hosting landscape but also add a procession of spaces that can elevate the reflective experience of moving through nature. Rather than starting counter clock wise from the parking area to see the Thoreau Cabin, Site 8 was chosen so that patrons could be forced deeper into the reserve and continue experiencing paths that they may encounter on their hike to the cabin. To honor the preexisting Esker trail and connect back to the Pond, the gallery space was chosen to be the conduit in which different patrons could cross paths and admire the elevated view.

Sitting on the of the bridge are public amenity spaces while behind the remainder of the circulation spine are stationary pieces of program such as the meeting spaces and the public function room. The design intent for each of the spaces was to not only ground their view with nature but to also allow circulation through them be as liberating as walking outside.