DACTYL is an avian wildlife education center located on an existing bird preservation site. It is accessed from a levee that feeds into a shallow lake--"apple lake," to locals. The building scheme, derived from various bird anatomy, bridges the channel and creates a portal for the lake entry. DACTYL's primary space--an exhibition gallery--resides within the bar that spans the channel. The crux of the gallery was that is must be able to 'molt' its exhibition armatures and become an open, communal space. To that end, a series of unfolding vitrines extend from the solar fin envelope inside and mimic the opening of a bird wing. DACTYL also houses sustainable functions for large gatherings and accommodations for small groups on extended stays.
DACTYL
