LOCATION: ARCADIA OKLAHOMA

DATE: 2018

TYPE: COMMUNITY MASTER PLAN

PROBLEM:

The Arcadia round barn is a landmark and tourist attraction on historic U.S. route 66 in Arcadia, Oklahoma, United States. It was built by local farmer William Harrison odor in 1898 using native bur oak boards soaked while green and forced into the curves needed for the walls and roof rafters.        With the reduction of traffic along route 66 following the arrival of the interstate, Arcadia and the barn likewise declined. In 1988 a team of volunteers led by Luther Robinson worked to rebuild the structure. Today it stands as a proud testament to the strong community that holds Arcadia together.

sOLUTION:

With the restoration complete tourist activity picked up. The town of Arcadia was back on the map and needed to be reconfigured. The project had a slew of highly-specific conditions that needed to be considered: historic preservation, dramatic slopping of landscape, as well as preserving the towns humble qualities.

The entire complex is rooted in history, branching from the round barn and creating a clear datum. By embracing route 66 rather than avoiding it, the pub creates a natural sound buffer for the private space. A space that cultivates community through relationships. A “hub” where social activity Is optimized.