My name is Bailey Wanner, an Architectural Designer. I earned my Master of Architecture (M.Arch) from North Dakota State University’s Graduate Program in 2023 and have been working in the field since.
My passion for design is deeply influenced by art, travel, and nature. I find inspiration through hiking, skiing, hands-on creative projects, and exploring the natural environment. The opportunity of traveling for several months allowed me to experience diverse landscapes, architectural styles, and cultural perspectives, all of which have broadened my design approach. These experiences enhance my ability to create thoughtful, dynamic spaces that integrate seamlessly with their surroundings.
PAINTED CANYON VISITOR CENTER
THEODORE ROOSEVELT NATIONAL PARK
m.arch thesis north dakota state university 2023
peter f. mckenzie award winner
OVERVIEW
This project focused on re-designing Theodore Roosevelt National Park’s Painted Canyon Visitor Center to incorporate biophilic and biomorphic design elements, with the aim of enhancing the park experience for visitors and benefiting the overall ecosystem.
By incorporating biophilic design, which emphasizes the integration of natural elements into the built environment, the visitor center fosters a deeper connection with nature. Incorporating biomorphic design elements, inspired by organic shapes and patterns found in nature, creates a sense of harmony and tranquility. This redesign provides numerous benefits to both the park and its visitors.
Firstly, it creates a welcoming and immersive atmosphere, promoting relaxation and well-being. Secondly, the integration of natural materials and green spaces enhances indoor air quality and contributes to the overall sustainability of the building. Lastly, the center serves as an educational hub, raising awareness about the importance of conservation and fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for the park’s unique natural heritage.
VIEW HINDERING ENTRANCE
Delayed gratification was a prominent factor in the design and orientation of the proposed structure. It was important in the interest of the visitor experience aspect to keep the views private until the full picture could be seen at once.
As you navigate the site to the entrance, you are greeted with a large plaza-like staircase riddled with native vegetation. Descending down the stairs, or winding down the ramp, you are able to see all directions except for that of the picturesque landscape beyond the building.
CIRCULATION
Following your entrance to the center, you catch a small fragment of the grand view through a long corridor. The vast open atrium, similar to that of the immense expanses of sky among the prairie-scape, allows you to feel as though you are outdoors while still being sheltered by the undulating roof of the structure.
Wandering the circumference of the main floor, you’ll be captivated by the textured walls that artfully mimic and speak to the rugged coal veins that run through the Painted Canyon. The lush greenery surrounding the seating area provides a comforting atmosphere, with the colors of the furniture blending in seamlessly with the natural surroundings.
LOCAL MARKET SPACE
As much as the center serves as a celebration of the stunning natural environment that surrounds it, it also honors the vibrant community that thrives within it.
Local artists, vendors, and small business owners are embraced through the local market spaces, providing a platform for their unique perspectives, skills, and products to shine. The result is a dynamic tapestry of creativity and commerce, interwoven with the rich cultural heritage of the region.
EDUCATIONAL RESOURCE AREA
The education resource areas within the center offer a gateway to connect with nature’s essence through the beauty of art and the power of knowledge. These serene spaces provide a sanctuary for inspiration, fostering creativity and learning in visitors of all ages, as they immerse themselves in the marvels of the natural world.
Within the classrooms, skilled instructors guide students through interactive lessons on ecology, wildlife, and geology, encouraging hands-on experiences that cultivate a deeper connection with the park’s diverse ecosystem. Together, these resources create a pathway to discovery, an invitation to behold the magic of nature and to find harmony within its rhythms.
GRAB & GO CAFE SEATING AREA
The visitor center offers a variety of seating areas where visitors can regenerate and recharge. Whether you prefer a quiet spot tucked away from the crowds or a place with breathtaking views, these seating areas provide a sense of calmness and rejuvenation.
With soft lighting, comfortable chairs, and warm colors, the spaces are inviting and soothing, creating a perfect spot to unwind and soak up the natural beauty of the park. Take a moment to relax with a book, catch up with friends over a cup of coffee, or simply sit and reflect on the wonders of nature. These seating areas are scattered throughout the visitor center and offer a peaceful retreat.
EVENT SPACE
Moving to the upper level, the flexible event space boasts an atmosphere that perfectly blends the splendor of the great outdoors with the refinement of a luxurious venue.
From the floor-to-ceiling windows that offer sweeping views of the surrounding landscape, to the meticulously crafted details that reflect the natural beauty of the park, every element of this space has been thoughtfully designed to inspire awe and elevate the senses. The space retains an air of warmth and intimacy that is sure to make every guest feel welcome. Whether you are celebrating a wedding, hosting a corporate gathering, or simply seeking a striking setting for your next special occasion, this event space is sure to exceed expectations.
NATURE DECK
The nature deck offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the surrounding natural beauty. Without any confines to the wildlife of the park, the native animals are able to come within close proximity. The floor to ceiling spider glass curtain system offers a unique opportunity for visitors to view these animals up close while still taking precautious safety measures.
CROSS VENTILATION
cross ventilation is a passive strategy that cools and circulates air, which improves indoor air quality and greatly reduces the need for a mechanical cooling system in the summer months.
LOUVER SYSTEM
designed to mitigate direct heat gain, the louver system significantly improves energy efficiency and reduces cooling costs throughout the facility by strategic sun shading.
STRAW BALE INSULATION
made from tightly packed straw bales, this natural, eco-friendly material maintains a comfortable indoor environment while improving sound quality and providing fire resistance.
PARTI
The building takes inspiration from the North Dakota state bird, the Western Meadowlark, both in form and function. Its sweeping, aerodynamic roofline mimics the bird’s wings in mid-flight, optimizing wind flow for passive ventilation while creating a visually dynamic structure. The façade and materials reflect the Meadowlark’s plumage, using natural tones and textures to blend seamlessly with the prairie landscape. Active strategies include solar orientation, mirroring how the bird instinctively positions itself for warmth and shelter, while biomimetic ventilation channels mimic the bird’s respiratory efficiency, enhancing airflow and thermal comfort within the structure.
The principles of biomorphism and biomimicry hold a vital place in national park architecture, as they allow designers to seamlessly incorporate the essence of the natural world into the built environment. By drawing inspiration from the rhythms and forms of nature, architects can craft spaces that evoke a sense of balance and unity with the surrounding landscape. Through this approach, buildings can become an integral part of the ecosystem, and visitors can connect more deeply with the natural environment they came to explore.
MASTER PLANNING
undergraduate capstone
theodore roosevelt medora foundation
OVERVIEW
The studio group lead by Kristi Hanson, FAIA, was tasked with preparing the city of Medora, North Dakota for the influx of visitors in wake of the newly announced Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library. By meeting with the Theodore Roosevelt Medora Foundation board members on a regular basis, we were able to articulate a new branding package, land plan, and several architectural programs to accommodate the small town. I, in particular, took the opportunity to design a hotel villa complex and a much-needed filling station that would celebrate the existing western identity of the surrounding area.
TRAILBLAZER RIDGE
HOTEL VILLA + RESTAURANT + OUTFITTER
Trailblazer Ridge is a complex that hosts a handful of ammenities to serve both the local population and also the visitors. Offering an upscale dining experience at The Barrel, a night in one of the villas nestled in the butte, or renting a bike to explore the trails, there is an opportunity for all.
