The
park’s remote setting—15 minutes from a town of only 300 people—and agrarian
context highlight the dynamic relationship between humans and the natural
environment. The lake’s organic edges and crystal-clear waters feed painstakingly created canals that enrich a vast geometric patchwork of soybean
fields.
Rather
than recreate the past, the new visitor center transforms cues from the
surrounding context into a strikingly modern design. The building is conceived
of as a large porch—a traditional Southern staple that provides shelter,
encourages relaxation, and welcomes visitors.