EP 1130-2-550
15 Nov 96
Visitor Center construction, or major rehabilitation of an existing facility will include the
following components:
a. When major rehabilitation or construction is approved, the Visitor Center concept will
be developed prior to the design memorandum. This will include a project visitation analysis, an
analysis to determine the proper type of Visitor Center required, and the identification of the
interpretive themes and objectives. The development of the concept stage of the Visitor Center
will be accomplished substantially by the project staff with coordination and support of the other
District elements. If contractors are used, the Corps will coordinate closely to ensure that the
final product meets the objectives in paragraph 5-2. Conversion of existing project buildings to
Type C Visitor Centers through the use of an in-house team of subject matter experts and
construction experts is not considered to be major rehabilitation.
b. An interpretive prospectus for the Visitor Center will be prepared by either Corps or
contract personnel. An interpretive theme(s) will be identified and developed, which describes the
importance of specific resources, sites, or programs in relation to the project. These general
statements then provide the basic subject matter for the development of interpretive objectives
and storyline for the Visitor Center. The interpretive prospectus will include the following: a
summary of the decisions reached during the concept process, the basic design criteria for the
Visitor Center structure, site selection, site development, structural elements, interior treatment,
and traffic flows. The prospectus will show the relationship between the concept decisions and
the design.
c. In the case of major rehabilitation of either the Visitor Center building or exhibits, some
of the design criteria in the interpretive prospectus may be negated by existing conditions.
However, major rehabilitation may include site and/or building modifications, if they are integral
to the new visitor center concept.
d. References found in Appendix A, contain additional information for the interpretive
prospectus. If the prospectus is prepared by contract, Corps personnel will remain directly
involved in the process in an advisory and review capacity. Sections of the prospectus dealing
with the history of the Corps should be submitted to the Office of History, HQUSACE (CEHO)
for review and authentication. Sections dealing with local and/or state history should be referred
to the appropriate state or local agencies.
5-5. Visitor Center Design and Construction/Rehabilitation. A special design memorandum (ER
1110-2-400) will be completed for any new building construction, or major facility rehabilitation.
The design memorandum will address site development, design rationale, architectural, electrical
and mechanical specifications, and cost analysis.
a. The Visitor Center building design memorandum will be completed after the concept
plan and concurrently with the interpretive prospectus to insure compatibility between the
structural design and the exhibit design. The building should be designed to support and enhance
the interpretive presentation. The design should provide flexibility to allow for future updating
and modifications of content. Use of windows should be carefully controlled to permit effective
use of lighting, efficient use of floor space and the use of a variety of exhibit techniques. The
excessive use of windows will unnecessarily restrict interior development of the building. Energy
efficient design principles and criteria will apply.
5-3
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