Florida's rest area facilities are ideal locations to showcase innovative Architecture to the millions of travelers along the interstate system. The location along I-75 in Marion County is highly visible from the interstate, as well as from the surrounding context. The design will be a vibrant, timeless facility that fits within the horse country context. These facilities offer a vibrant and fun destination for relaxation and recreation dedicated to traveling families and trucking professionals.

The highest level of safety and security is planned for patrons at these rest areas. The Architecture and site designs are driven by methodologies and concepts taken from the “Crime Prevention through Environmental Design” (CPTED) multi-disciplinary approach. All building entrances, public rest area amenities and parking areas are designed with clear sight lines from the project’s fulcrum, the Security Office. Situated in the open-air courtyard between the two restroom wings, this space will offer 360 degree views of the publicly accessible and active areas. Minimizing hiding places, abundant lighting levels at pedestrian areas, efficient parking layouts, locations of amenities and the careful selection of landscape & hardscape materials support this overall concept of safety.

The "butterfly" concept consists of two building wings connected by the Security Office as the prototype's hinge point. Much like the thorax of a butterfly, the two wings are able to rotate around it creating a unique solution based upon each location's site constraints as other rest areas are developed in different parts of the state. The intent is that this concept will be an identifying prototype throughout Florida's transportation network, with each rest area unique in it's adaptability to the surrounding context and character.