Thomas Jefferson's Monticello
THOMAS JEFFERSON’S MONTICELLO
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA | The David M. Rubenstein Visitor Center and Smith Education Center prepares guests for a memorable experience at Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello. Its 42,000 square foot LEED Gold complex graces a lushly planted central courtyard with views to the native Piedmont woodland beyond. The project’s careful topographic intention is in keeping with the historic character of the place and offers sophisticated design solutions to complex issues. For instance, a greensward manages the site’s stormwater and ties a previously under-recognized African American Burial Ground into the main circulatory system, featuring it sensitively and intimately in the visitor experience. Nearby, a series of terraces allows for reduced architectural footprints. The overall design encourages introduction and gathering so that visitors can find distance from their 21st century routines before ascending the historic hilltop.
2009 Potomac ASLA Honor Award Winner
