EskewDumezRipple has released images of their newly-designed Burden Welcome Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Located adjacent to the city’s Botanic Gardens, Rural Life Museum, and the LSU AgCenter, the 9,230-square-foot center is intended to “provide visitors with an overview of the many destinations dispersed throughout the 440-acre property in the heart of Louisiana’s capital city.”

Described by the team as a “contemplative retreat to nature,” the center incorporates a series of glass walls on the far side of the entryway to capture views of the surrounding scenery. The design also features a 7,200-square-foot open-air central courtyard wrapped by a sheltered outdoor space.

Inside, the center will hold 3,000 square feet of multi-purpose space, 1,000 square feet of gallery space, an occupiable green roof, a small dining area and café, a gift shop, visitor restrooms, and offices for botanic gardens administrative staff.

News of the scheme comes months after EskewDumezRipple was among the winners at the 2023 AIA Architecture Awards. Previously, we reported on a lenticular mural created by the firm in Salt Lake City in collaboration with artist Phillip Adams, while also speaking to the firm as part of our ‘How To Get A Job At ___’ series.