Fort Randolph Visitor Center - Pineville, Louisiana
Fort Randolph Visitor Center - Pineville, Louisiana
Fort Randolph Visitor Center - Pineville, Louisiana
Pineville, Louisiana
client: Louisiana Office of State Parks
completed: 2010

Fort Randolph and Fort Buhlow are Civil War era earthen forts which were built during the Red River Campaign. The Louisiana Office of State Parks and the Red River Waterway Commission recently developed this area into a Historic Site, creating a unique tourism opportunity for Central Louisiana. The new Visitor Center is located at the foot of Fort Randolph and offers a direct view from the exhibit area to the fort. Care was taken to preserve existing trees on site to form a natural backdrop for the building.

Simple gable roof and porch forms establish the primary elements of the building, recalling historical construction without replicating it. The interior space is framed in exposed wood timbers, with wood floors and ceiling deck. Interpretive exhibits are integrated within the wood timbers throughout the space. Generous window openings access wide views to the Historic Site beyond and fill the space with daylight.