GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS VISITOR CENTER MOCKUP

Spring 2023

Independent Study
w/ Ohio State School of Environment & Natural Resources (SENR)

Design Fields

Experiential Design, Photography,
Interactive Design

Tools Used

Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Indesign, Sketchup, Photoshop, Lightroom Classic, Procreate

Team

Exhibit Mentor: Mary Ann Webster
Photography Mentor: Lori Monska
Photographer: Megan Giese
Designer: Megan Giese

Overview

The Great Smoky Mountains is America’s most visited National Park reaching an average 200,000 visitors per year. It covers some of the tallest mountains in the Appalachian trail. The park is constantly changing as wind, water, and erosion reshape the mountains. The park is home to over 19,000 documented species but scientists believe an additional 80,000-100,000 species may live here.

Challenge

Visitor centers in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park Primarily act as gift shops. With a range of visitors the current design standards for the exhibits were primarily script and sketched imagery which could be restrictive to some... The goal is to provide an education experience for visitors to learn about and further their appreciation for the natural world.

Solution

This center is designed as a multi-story facility that outlines the elevation journey and follows a journey into the park. It engage visitors of all ages and backgrounds by utilizing interactive exhibits, show-casing a range of information. The design focuses on the activation of various senses, increasing the accessibility of users, and encouraging them to enter and explore further into the park by enticing them with natural motifs. This center provides a safe and comfortable experience for visitors to engage with the Smokies during any season.