Fusing biomimicry with topography, architectural duo Marion Weiss and Michael Manfredi (Weiss/Manfredi) have created the new visitor centre for New York City’s Brooklyn Botanic Garden that will provide a legible point of arrival and orientation, an interface between garden and city, culture and cultivation.
The design of the visitor center is seen as a seamless extension of the landscape. Nested into an existing berm, the center is experienced as a three dimensional continuation of the garden path system, framing a series of views into and through the garden. Sited at Washington Avenue, the visitor center wanders from the city into the garden, providing clear orientation and access to the major precincts. The visitor center includes an orientation room, information lobby, gift shop, exhibition gallery, cafe, and an elliptical events space.