Riverston Information Center and Museum

The proposed Visitor Information Center and Museum at Riverston aims to serve as a vital hub for eco-tourism, education, and conservation in Sri Lanka's central highlands. Riverston is renowned for its rich biodiversity, scenic beauty, and cultural heritage, but it currently lacks a dedicated facility to enhance visitor engagement and awareness. This project addresses the need for a focal point that educates visitors about Riverston's ecological significance while promoting sustainable tourism and conservation efforts.

The Riverston Information Center and Museum will serve as an essential hub for educating visitors about the rich ecological, cultural, and historical significance of the Riverston area, located in the central highlands of Sri Lanka. The facility aims to promote conservation awareness, support eco-tourism, and provide research opportunities. The center will include interactive exhibits, educational displays, and research facilities, integrating seamlessly with the natural landscape to foster a deeper connection between visitors and the environment.

Design Elements:
- Entrance and Lobby: Featuring sculptures made from forest waste and an information desk.
- Microscope Display Area: With frosted glass walls to focus on microscopic exhibits.
- Art Wall and Staircase: Interactive leaf art displays engaging visitors in the creative process.
- Nature Sound Hearing Area: An immersive auditory experience of the forest environment.
- Viewing Lobby: A tranquil space with informational displays and views of the natural landscape.

The Riverston Information Center and Museum will stand as a testament to sustainable architecture, environmental education, and the celebration of natural heritage, aiming to inspire visitors and foster a legacy of conservation and appreciation for the natural world.

The architectural design of the Riverston Information Center and Museum focuses on sustainability, minimal environmental impact, and harmony with the surrounding landscape. The center will be strategically located to provide easy access while preserving the site's natural beauty. Key architectural elements include:

- Building Orientation: The structure will be oriented to maximize natural light and ventilation, with a design that reduces reliance on artificial lighting and enhances energy efficiency.
- Material Selection: The use of sustainable materials such as timber, steel, and concrete, with an emphasis on prefabrication to minimize waste and environmental disturbance during construction. Locally sourced materials like wood and stone will be used to support regional economies and reduce transportation emissions.
- Environmental Integration: The building will be raised to minimize its footprint on the site, with features like operable windows and courtyards to promote natural airflow. The roof will be covered with a coconut coir mesh adorned with plants to blend the structure into the environment and reduce its visual impact from above.
- Water Management: A biodigester septic tank system will be implemented to handle wastewater sustainably, ensuring minimal environmental contamination. Purified water from this system will be used for flushing and irrigation.

1. Site Location: Riverston, Matale, Sri Lanka
2. Building Materials:
- Timber: Biodegradable and strong, used for structural elements and interior finishes.
- Steel: Used for structural support and durability.
- Concrete: For foundational work and finished surfaces.
- Glass: Opaque and transparent panels to manage light and views.
- Coconut Coir Mesh: For roof covering and integration with greenery.
3. Sustainable Features:
- Daylighting and Ventilation: Strategic placement of windows and open spaces to harness natural light and promote air circulation.
- Rainwater Management: Designed to facilitate natural drainage patterns and prevent erosion.
- Waste Management: Biodigester septic tank system for eco-friendly wastewater treatment.