El Yunque National Forest - Revitalization of El Portal Visitors Center
The Revitalization of El Portal Visitors Center was a result of an inclusive exercise by El Yunque National Forest (EYNF) staff , community partners and RMA Architects, PSC (RMA) to establish a guideline to refurbish and re-purpose the use of existing spaces within the building. The intent was to enhances the ability of personnel and partners to work together successfully and effectively by blending some interpretive exhibits with community activities, booths, crafts demonstrations, and other aspects of Puerto Rican life.
RMA Team participated with the main initiative in conveying practical solutions for the ease of operations and maintenance; environmental and financial sustainability; and, resiliency in the face of future emergencies. The project needed to be supported by a more adequate and modern technology for its cost effectiveness and resiliency. But this needs to be paired up with the ease of maintenance of such equipment to ensure its durability. For this reason, careful attention has been given to the location of equipment in a new service yard that will enable easy access for maintenance. A service area were components such as the generators, diesel tanks, main switch gear, photovoltaic infrastructure and storage, underground fire protection cistern, potable water cistern, above ground pumps, maintenance storage, restroom, eye wash and shower, and waste and recyclables area will all be grouped together protected from the view of visitors. This service yard will maintain a clear separation between maintenance activities and the users by avoiding trucks from entering closer to the building and affecting the visitor’s experience.
The areas where the current mechanical and generator rooms are located will be repurposed for a simpler fountain pump room, a storage area for cafeteria or event support and the VAC mechanical equipment location, refer to mechanical for details. Therefore, all loading, unloading and maintenance of equipment will stay reachable at this convenient service entrance because of its connection by an access road with the outside service yard. This service entrance is also protected from the visitor’s view.