GOOD DESIGN IS GOOD BUSINESS.
GOOD DESIGN IS GOOD BUSINESS. Location Aberdeen, Maryland United States
Synopsis Maryland House presented an opportunity to create a 21st century travelers’ facility on I-95 that is intimately connected to local landscape and regional culture, a place of state identity. A single open public space for dining and respite is kept highly visually connected to the outdoors as well as to the amenities. Overhead, an undulating and sheltering roof form articulates this space into three zones creating a central spine though which north and south bound travelers enter and interact. The architecture of the Maryland House is a contemporary interpretation of both midAtlantic precedents as well great transportation architecture of 20th century. The new building is placed within the oval parcel occupied by the former travel plaza structure so as to preserve the large trees and the green space on the site. A generous south patio framed by conserved trees extends the space of rest and relaxation outdoors. Graphic elements, scaled to the building as well as travel embedded into the architecture enhance visitor orientation and help the facility perform as a visitor center to the historic and beautiful state of Maryland.
Voluminous and welcoming interior space clad in wood creates a welcoming and warm space day and night.
New building was carefully inserted to preserve the trees and green space of the original “oval.” A fundamental design driver was clear and legible vehicular circulation and pedestrian access.
Two 180’ long box-trusses that recall truss bridges of the region support the roof over the dining space and double up as clear story elements to bring light from north and south.
Strong and persistent connection to the outdoors through highperformance glass creates legible and well oriented public space. Sensors minimize the need for artificial light and reduce the energy costs by 30%.
Regional and familiar architectural form is reinterpreted through a contemporary sensibility to create a highly transparent and welcoming modern facility.
Single Undulating Roof
South Light
Servant Served
Zone of Daylight Zone of Commerce
Datum Line
The floor plan emphasizes simplicity and clarity of organization to make it easy on the traveler. Clear visual connection to the amenities and to the outdoors was a basic design strategy.
Graphic elements embedded into architecture enhance way-finding and orientation and create a vibrant environment. Typographic compositions set in the appropriately titled Interstate font merge visual interest with information.
A simple backdrop allows for a diverse range of vendors to display their respective branding creating variety and color.
Exterior patio proudly integrates the Maryland flag into the exterior architecture.
Synopsis Maryland House presented an opportunity to create a 21st century travelers’ facility on I-95 that is intimately connected to local landscape and regional culture, a place of state identity. A single open public space for dining and respite is kept highly visually connected to the outdoors as well as to the amenities. Overhead, an undulating and sheltering roof form articulates this space into three zones creating a central spine though which north and south bound travelers enter and interact. The architecture of the Maryland House is a contemporary interpretation of both midAtlantic precedents as well great transportation architecture of 20th century. The new building is placed within the oval parcel occupied by the former travel plaza structure so as to preserve the large trees and the green space on the site. A generous south patio framed by conserved trees extends the space of rest and relaxation outdoors. Graphic elements, scaled to the building as well as travel embedded into the architecture enhance visitor orientation and help the facility perform as a visitor center to the historic and beautiful state of Maryland.
Voluminous and welcoming interior space clad in wood creates a welcoming and warm space day and night.
New building was carefully inserted to preserve the trees and green space of the original “oval.” A fundamental design driver was clear and legible vehicular circulation and pedestrian access.
Two 180’ long box-trusses that recall truss bridges of the region support the roof over the dining space and double up as clear story elements to bring light from north and south.
Strong and persistent connection to the outdoors through highperformance glass creates legible and well oriented public space. Sensors minimize the need for artificial light and reduce the energy costs by 30%.
Regional and familiar architectural form is reinterpreted through a contemporary sensibility to create a highly transparent and welcoming modern facility.
Single Undulating Roof
South Light
Servant Served
Zone of Daylight Zone of Commerce
Datum Line
The floor plan emphasizes simplicity and clarity of organization to make it easy on the traveler. Clear visual connection to the amenities and to the outdoors was a basic design strategy.
Graphic elements embedded into architecture enhance way-finding and orientation and create a vibrant environment. Typographic compositions set in the appropriately titled Interstate font merge visual interest with information.
A simple backdrop allows for a diverse range of vendors to display their respective branding creating variety and color.
Exterior patio proudly integrates the Maryland flag into the exterior architecture.
