de leon & primmer: riverview park visitor service building I

‘riverview park visitor service building I’ by de leon & primmer, louisville, kentucky all images courtesy of de leon & primmer

american firm de leon & primmer has completed the ‘riverview park visitor service building I,’ the first part of several phases to revitalize a seventy acre recreational landscape along the ohio river with four characteristics: active, civic, natural, and playful. formally, the volume alludes to the look and feel of the local historical barns, but with a contemporary skew. the high public profile added particular design considerations including the ease of maintenance over time, general safety and possible attacks of vandalism. the completed initial phase of the master plan provides dry and wet children’s playgrounds, picnic areas and a boat ramp, with restrooms, drinking fountains, and mechanical systems for irrigation and lighting control housed nearby in this first building.

a tough material palette was chosen to solve many of the key issues. corrugated cor-ten steel sheets wrap around the roof and parts of the external walls in the form of vertical louvers. galvanized perforated metal panels cover two of the facades, allowing a soft interior illumination and natural ventilation. easily replaceable modular units allow for quick, inexpensive fixes, while the assembly of components makes for effortless cleaning. 

approach along the sidewalk, along the ohio river

oxidized corrugated metal sheets and louvers wrap the surfaces

partial transparency illuminates the interior while providing a tough wall structure

perforated metal panels give a contemporary look and allow natural ventilation to cool the space

the structure sits between several facets of the park

metal grate wall

(left) open voids house an entrance and public water fountains (right) electrical and irrigation systems housed within the structure

metal grating provides safety, durability, and transparency

concrete shear walls strengthen the structure

exterior void

angled walls

site plan

floor plan

roof plan

section

master plan

formal diagram evolution