The concept in the design of the Joshua Tree National Park Nature Interpretative Center and Rock Climbing School focuses on the necessity of providing
passive strategies to achieve net-zero carbon neutrality. Set in the western Mojave Desert, the site’s climatic
conditions requires attention in designing for extreme summer heat, flash floods, large diurnal swings and the
occasional snow covered winter’s day. Thus some sustainable strategies that were included are orientation of the buildings, southern overhangs, cross ventilation, and use of thermal mass.
In the vast setting of the site, the layout of the buildings are focused in creating indoor / outdoor spaces, a central courtyard, and the circulation of the public and private spaces. To capture the site’s natural beauty, it was important to include maximum north-facing windows to
optimize daylighting and natural views.
Joshua Tree Nature Interpretive Center
