Fort St John VISITOR CENTRE
NUMBERS
Size: 60,850 sq ft
Client: City of Fort St John, Tourism Fort St John
Services: Architect & Prime Consultant, Feasibility Study
Location: City of Fort St John, BC
ABOUT
The City of Fort St John is the largest community in northeastern BC, connecting to the rest of the province Alaska Highway. As a regional service hub for residents and visitors alike, it has become apparent that a permanent home for the visitor centre will excite visitors passing through the city and inspire the local residents.
The project provides an opportunity to capture the local traditions and history of Fort St John. It will provide a home for the artifacts and exhibits located in the temporary visitor centre in the Pomeroy Stadium, and act as a beacon to visitors passing through the city. In addition to the visitor centre, outdoor amenities accessible to the community including a welcoming plaza, playground, and ampitheatre are designed to encourage visitors to explore the city and residents to have a place to schedule outdoor activities.
For long term travellers, facilities to support RV vehicular parking have been developed in the site to allow for comfortable pull-through stalls, outdoor washroom facilities, and to allow outdoor activities to be accomodated.
The building design utilizes a dramatic angled roof that peaks over the exhibition space. Two robust forms carve through the interior of the building to create the exhibition space and children’s playground, reminiscent of the imposing presence of silos standing in the fields of Fort St John.