connection between the materials and the core aim of the project: the protection of the endangered turtles and biospheres of the Refugio de Vida Silvestre La Flor and surrounding region, through community support, education, and advocacy.
III. The Visitor Center The Visitor Center represents the first phase of design and construction of the ITSA Ecotourism Project. The Visitor Center will be easily accessible from the coastal highway, integrated into the landscape alongside the existing Mirador structure on the ITSA site. The layout of the Visitor Center, as expressed in the Master Plans and Cross Sections on the following pages, reflects various tiers of immersion available to visitors. Closest to the entrance are essential amenities – a rest and hydration area with restrooms, and a café. Enticing those visitors to discover more about the sea turtles and biospheres of the Refugio de Vida Silvestre La Flor, and of the surrounding region, the museum and discovery center is also immediately accessible from the entrance, as is the Mirador offering views of the estuary and ocean. As visitors move through the exhibits of the museum, they likewise are moving further into the Visitor Center complex, and offered opportunities for additional immersion and discovery: a section of the center is reserved as a “base of operations” for local ecotourism groups and initiatives. This area would provide a point-of-access for visitors interested in scheduling tours and experiences.
Protective Tensile Canopy Wood & Thatch Shells
Stonemasonry Base
Conceptual
Design
Sketches
(No
Scale)
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