Here stands a testament to art and functionality. This is Knoll for NOAA Dome. It is an artwork by Martin Puryear. This concrete dome sits on the shore of Lake Washington. It offers a unique experience to those who visit NOAA’s Western Regional Center.
The Western Regional Center is more than just a collection of buildings. It represents years of planning and community involvement. The site was once a Naval Air Station. Its disposition was a subject of public discussion in Seattle. A decision was made to share the land. NOAA would get part for a Regional Center. The city would get the rest for a park.
The Sand Point Liaison Committee was established. It ensured citizen input on the project. The committee worked with NOAA and the Seattle Parks Department. They reviewed designs. They helped shape the development of both projects.
Construction began in 1977 with an access road. There were some delays due to citizen concerns. An injunction halted work until an environmental impact statement was supplemented. Work resumed in 1979. The old runway was removed. An earth berm was built. Dredging of the shoreline began. The dredged material was used for landscaping and parking areas.
The Operations Building opened in 1981. It houses several NOAA departments. These include the National Weather Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service. The Employee Services Building opened in 1983. It has a cafeteria and an employee health unit.
The Shops Complex has a heated warehouse and various shops. These shops are for carpentry, painting, and instrument repair. The NOAA Dive Center is also located here. A staging pier provides berthing for NOAA vessels.
The research buildings house the Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory. They also house the National Environmental Satellite, Data & Information Service. The Auditorium provides seating for 262 people. It is equipped with a sound system and projection room.
The design of the Western Regional Center reflects NOAA’s mission. It also provides views of Lake Washington. Trees and shrubs integrate the buildings with the shoreline. Open areas provide habitat for shorebirds.
Six outdoor public artworks have been installed. These artworks are along the shoreline and near the Operations Building. They provide a unique experience for employees and the public. “The Soundgarden” is a well-known piece. It is a large pipe and wind-vane sculpture. It creates music when the wind interacts with it. The band Soundgarden took their name from this artwork.
Knoll, the company, has a long history of modern design. Since 1938, Knoll has been recognized for creating inspiring furnishings. Hans and Florence Knoll embraced the Bauhaus design philosophy. They believed that furniture should complement architectural space.
Knoll is a founding sponsor of the World Monuments Fund Modernism at Risk program. This program preserves architectural heritage. The World Monuments Fund/Knoll Modernism Prize is awarded biennially. It recognizes work that enhances the public’s awareness of Modernism.
The Knoll for NOAA Dome is just one part of this vibrant campus. It combines art, science, and community. It creates a unique environment on the shores of Lake Washington.