The new Burden Museum and Gardens Welcome Center is designed to serve visitors to the nearby Botanical Gardens, the Museum of Rural Life and the Louisiana State University (LSU) AgCenter, as well as nearby communities and cultural attractions.
Located in the heart of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, on a large 178 ha (440 acre) property, this 2,626 m2 (28,625 square meters) aims to give visitors an overview of the different destinations available. It also showcases the fascinating history of the Burden family and their significant contribution to LSU and the local community as one of the largest donations ever received.
Envisioning the Welcome Center as a peaceful gateway to nature, the EskewDumezRipple design team aimed to create a space that would spark curiosity and appreciation for the surrounding landscape. The center does not simply sit on the ground, but is integrated into it, emphasizing a seamless connection with the landscape.
The entrance features glass walls on one side, allowing unobstructed views and acting as a bridge between the building and the landscape. A large central courtyard of 669 m2 (7,200 square meters) is surrounded by covered outdoor areas.
The Welcome Center serves as a platform for environmental education and offers a wide range of experiences, including events, art exhibits, recreational activities and opportunities for rejuvenation. The environmentally friendly design incorporates 279 m2 (3,000 square meters) of flexible space, a 92.9 m2 (1,000 square meters), a habitable green roof, a small dining area and cafe, a gift shop, restrooms for visitors, and administrative offices for the botanic gardens staff.
Other project collaborators are the contractor, Buquet & LeBlanc Engineering Inc; civil engineer and structural engineer, Fox-Nesbit Engineering, LLC; Mechanical and Electrical Engineer: ASSAF, Simoneaux, Tauzin & Associates; geotechnical engineer, Landscape, Inc.; and landscape architect, Carbo Landscape Architects.
