St. Charles Duck Example

St. Louis, Missouri

The Design Process

  • Map showing analysis and opportunities along the Mississippi River with locations such as Melvin Price Locks & Dam, pools, ponds, islands, recreation areas, and water structures, marked with different colored lines and symbols.

    1: Analysis

    The planning process for the site, conducted in 2011 by SWT Design in conjunction with the Audubon Society of Missouri and the Army Corps of Engineers, involved four phases: data collection, program development, concept design, and final design.

  • A modern glass building with wooden accents on a grassy area near a body of water, with trees and a clear blue sky in the background.

    2: Existing Site

    The previous site was sparse, and the Audubon Society wanted to unite the Center with the surrounding landscape

  • Scenic view of a river with a grassy embankment, trees, and a small pavilion in the background. The water is calm, with some debris along the shoreline, and a bridge visible in the distance on a clear, sunny day.

    3: Previous Site

    The conservation area lies midway along the Mississippi Flyway near the confluence of the Mississippi, Missouri and Illinois rivers. However, the previous design denied the connection between River, Land and Wildlife.

  • A watercolor illustration of a lakeside park with a pathway leading to a pavilion. Several people are at the pavilion, with a calm lake and green trees in the background.

    4: Plan Proposals and Collaboration with Audubon

    Through Renderings we helped the Audubon Society find the designs that spoke to them and their purpose

  • A hand-drawn architectural illustration showing two design options (Option A and Option B) for a multi-story wooden structure with outdoor seating, balconies, and a sloped roof, set amidst greenery with a blue sky.

    5: Presentations and Refinements

    The best designs are collaborations. SWT Design and the Audubon Society worked together to find the designs that best spoke to the site and mission of the Riverland’s Center.

  • A colorful illustrated landscape plan showing a park with walking paths, a lake with small waterfalls, trees with pink blossoms, an open field, a parking lot, and a building with a circular glass structure.

    6: The Master Plan

    The final site master plan is built upon and enhances the existing natural amenities and features of the site. It embodies the vision of the Missouri Audubon Society by helping draw visitors to the Center for a first hand experience of the birds, refuge area, and river.

  • A young boy with short brown hair, wearing a red jacket, squatting by the riverbank surrounded by tall grass and purple flowers, looking at the water.

    7: The site today

    The site today is not just an intersection of rivers, but a facility that respects the natural environment while providing opportunities for experiencing the refuge throughout the year.

The Audubon Center at the Riverlands is sited in one of our world’s most geographically and biologically significant regions. The Center is integrated into the heart of the Army Corps of Engineers’ Riverlands Project conservation area. The conservation area lies midway along the Mississippi Flyway near the confluence of the Mississippi, Missouri and Illinois rivers. It encompasses 3,700 acres dedicated to land, river and bird preservation and is a critical resting point along the flyway for over 40% of North America’s bird population. The planning process for the site, conducted in 2011 by SWT Design in conjunction with the Audubon Society of Missouri and the Army Corps of Engineers, involved four phases: data collection, program development, concept design, and final design. The final site master plan is built upon and enhances the existing natural amenities and features of the site. It embodies the vision of the Missouri Audubon Society by helping draw visitors to the Center for a first hand experience of the birds, refuge area, and river. The plan improves way finding, develops a cohesive vocabulary for site amenities and embodies the Audubon brand. It provides opportunities to raise awareness and inform visitors with interpretive elements and educational nodes. Above all, the master plan helps to create a facility that respects the natural environment while providing opportunities for experiencing the refuge throughout the year. A new system of recreational trails links observation and study areas, while immersing visitors in the natural setting of the Mississippi River bottomlands and the native environment

Modern building with large glass windows and metal water tanks on the side, illuminated inside during dusk, set on a barren landscape.
Satellite view of a river and surrounding land, with roads labeled Riverlands Way and highway 67, featuring parks, green areas, and water bodies in St. Charles County, Missouri, including Lincoln Shields Recreation Area and Riverlands Environmental Demo Area.

From Concept to Implementation

“Every detail was thoughtfully executed. We're thrilled with the outcome.”

— Client at Riverlands Audubon Society

Today, the Audubon Center at the Riverlands has implemented the Master Plan, and serves 40,000 visitors, as well as 300+ Species of Birds.

Project Leadership & Relevant Experience

  • A middle-aged man with a beard and short curly hair, wearing a red button-up shirt, standing outdoors with a blurred green leafy background.

    TED SPAID | PLA, FASLA

    Project Lead
    Ted brings nearly 40 years experience to SWT Design and the profession of landscape architecture. His vision is infused throughout the firm’s culture and philosophy of “LIVING DESIGN,” ever-challenging accepted standards and methodologies within the design industry.

  • A smiling man with short brown hair and a beard, wearing a zip-up vest over a dark blue long-sleeve shirt, standing outdoors with trees in the background.

    WES HAID | PLA, AICP

    Project Manager / Senior Associate

    Wes has deep experience in Landscape architecture. In addition, as a hunter and conservationist, he understands the unique challenges and opportunities of designing for Sportmen and Birdwatchers alike.

  • Briana Coleman

    Project Manager/Associate

    Briana has long experience in bringing projects to life, and a deep love for ecology. She is passionate about the charismatic wildlife that rely upon the rivers to survive. Her passion is uniting diverse stakeholders.

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