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At GWWO, we are architects, thinkers, wonderers, creators, partners, collaborators, debaters, and questioners. It is in this spirit—and based on our desire to engage, share, and discuss—that we blog. Our intent is to bring you news from the industry and our cultural and educational markets, to discuss our point of view, to pose thought-provoking questions, and to engage in discussion with our readers. We invite your suggestions, questions, and comments and look forward to an open and lively dialogue. Visit our blog site, and follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn. 

Port Canaveral Lobby
Museums

Achieving an ideal visitor experience with the ADROIT approach

Through over 30 years of designing interpretive centers, I’ve found that the most significant experiences are created through a close collaboration between architects, landscape...
Jan. 8, 2024
Niagara Falls Visitor Center aerial shot. Courtesy GWWO
Museums

Building memory: Why interpretive centers matter in an era of social change

The last few years have borne witness to some of the most rapid—and at times most jarring—cultural shifts in our nation’s long history. If the experience has taught us ...
Jan. 18, 2023
Building envelope design high school
Contractors

Focusing on building envelope design and commissioning

At GWWO, the evaluation of the building envelope starts early in the design process. We believe that an interdisciplinary approach to design is inclusive of building systems and...
Aug. 17, 2022
Telling stories through architecture
Cultural Facilities

A time and a place: Telling American stories through architecture

These anniversaries commemorate events dotting the American landscape and calendars, reminding us of national achievements, tragedies, and triumphs that continue to shape our ...
Aug. 5, 2022
B Irds Main
Glass and Glazing

Designing for the birds is not just for the birds

Between 100 million to 1 billion birds are estimated to die each year in the United States due to collision with glass according to the American Bird Conservancy. One third of...
Feb. 7, 2019
Cover
Home

Achieving an ideal visitor experience: The ADROIT approach

One of the first questions that I am often asked as we begin design on a new visitor center, nature center, or museum is how to assure that each visitor’s experience is memorable...
July 6, 2017
Main
Building Team

Intuitive wayfinding: An alternate approach to signage

“Signage is the wow moment of arrival – it’s how you know that you are there.”This is a direct quote from a session on wayfinding at a NAI (National Association of Interpretation...
March 1, 2017
Thoughtful Site Selection
Building Team

Letting your resource take center stage: A guide to thoughtful site selection for interpretive centers

In 1956, the National Park Service began a 10-year initiative, known as Mission 66, to improve the conditions surrounding many National Parks, which were experiencing a boom in...
Sept. 6, 2016