Gould Evans’ Canary Studio Receives a Merit Award from the International Interior Design Association’s Southwest Chapter
AFTER 50 YEARS, YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK'S CONCESSIONS ARE TRANSFORMED TO WELCOME VISITORS
PHOENIX, AZ – April 22, 2022 – Nationally recognized design firm Gould Evans is pleased to announce that the Yosemite National Park concessions renovations project has received a Merit Award from the International Interior Design Association (IIDA) Southwest Chapter.
“Our team is honored to receive this award,” says Melissa Alexander, NCIDQ, IIDA, principal of Gould Evans and director of Canary, Gould Evans’ in-house experiential design studio. “This project was a practice in inviting the outdoors in; when we study space, we often look to the surrounding environment to pick up on a rhythm. The client group was generous and allowed us to explore local materiality and make these gathering places welcoming for any traveler.”
Within the majestic Yosemite Valley, three locations — Degnan’s Loft, Base Camp, and Curry Village — serve as refueling points for adventurers. Unfortunately, the existing facilities were not updated in 50 years and saw higher visitation than their initial capabilities.
Each concession’s identity was designed to create an intimate guest experience while embracing the infinite scale of the park. Through phased renovations, the team modernized the concessions while honoring the historic architecture and highlighting the sites’ natural splendor. Diligent research and coordination led the team to develop color palettes from historic textiles and select finishes to complement the original structure. Raw materials were chosen to create subtle palettes that invite the outdoor experience inside. The identities created underscore the rich history of the park and celebrate an exciting future.
With the park receiving nearly 5 million visitors each year, the concessions were renovated with longevity, sustainability, and a reverence for the original architecture. In partnership with the firm's other studios, the team underscored the natural world while developing a community space that improved visitors' comfort and experience.
About Gould Evans
Gould Evans’ award-winning designs are recognized for their specificity to people and place. Our diverse architecture portfolio stems from a design process that starts with the client’s goals. We share a passion for regional architecture and design that positively impacts our communities. To learn more, visit www.gouldevans.com.
About The International Interior Design Association (IIDA)
The IIDA is a global commercial interior design association that supports design professionals. It advocates for advancements in education, design excellence, legislation, leadership, accreditation, and community outreach to increase the value and understanding of Interior Design. To learn more about the Southwest Chapter, visit www.iidasw.org.
About Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park is an American national park in California, surrounded on the southeast by Sierra National Forest and on the northwest by Stanislaus National Forest. The park is managed by the National Park Service and covers an area of 759,620 acres and sits in four counties – centered in Tuolumne and Mariposa, extending north and east to Mono and south to Madera County. Designated a World Heritage Site in 1984, Yosemite is internationally recognized for its granite cliffs, waterfalls, clear streams, giant sequoia groves, lakes, mountains, meadows, glaciers, and biological diversity. Almost 95 percent of the park is designated wilderness. To learn more, visit www.nps.gov/yose.
Gould Evans Media Contact
Pat Dimond
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