Wanapum Heritage Center by Mithun

01/03/2017. A Living Cultural Center Bounded by Mountains, Sky and River [Mattawa, WA] USA
metalocus, DANIEL MADERA

Nestled at the edge of the Columbia River, a new museum and cultural center provides a home for Wanapum culture and artifacts. The building form weaves solidity and light, from a protective repository enclosure that references traditional cliffside cave storage spaces to the glazed welcome area that evokes traditional fishing lanterns. The entry path aligns with the equinox sunrise, marked by the Wanapum seasons and language.

Surrounding image. Wanapum Heritage Center by Mithun. Photograph © Ben Benschneider

Surrounding image. Wanapum Heritage Center by Mithun. Photograph © Ben Benschneider

Wanapum Heritage Center by Mithun. Photograph © Ben Benschneider

Corner detail. Wanapum Heritage Center by Mithun. Photograph © Ben Benschneider

Wanapum Heritage Center by Mithun. Photograph © Ben Benschneider

Access at nightfall. Wanapum Heritage Center by Mithun. Photograph © Ben Benschneider

Access. Wanapum Heritage Center by Mithun. Photograph © Ben Benschneider

Wanapum Heritage Center by Mithun. Photograph © Ben Benschneider

Inside view. Wanapum Heritage Center by Mithun. Photograph © Ben Benschneider

Inside image. Wanapum Heritage Center by Mithun. Photograph © Ben Benschneider

Wanapum Heritage Center by Mithun. Photograph © Ben Benschneider

Detail. Wanapum Heritage Center by Mithun. Photograph © Ben Benschneider

Site plan. Wanapum Heritage Center by Mithun. Image courtesy of Mithun

Plan. Wanapum Heritage Center by Mithun. Image courtesy of Mithun

Diagram. Wanapum Heritage Center by Mithun. Image courtesy of Mithun

The center, designed by Mithun, replaces a smaller outmoded facility and provides an archival collection storage for repatriation and acquisitions alongside recording studios for capturing oral history. New meeting, cooking and gathering places support a living culture.

The Museum reaffirms the living Wanapum culture and history on the Columbia River. Sustainable features include a high-mass insulated envelope with a high-performing climate controlled system. Stormwater is expressed through channels in the repository walls and enhanced native landscape.

Description of the project by Mithun

The new Wanapum Heritage Center is a collaborative effort between the Wanapum People of Priest Rapids and the Grant County Public Utility District (PUD) to tell the story of the Wanapum in a living cultural center. Located on the shores of the Columbia River, near the traditional center of the Wanapum community, the museum and heritage center takes its cues from the basalt cliffs of the surrounding landscape. Sited to honor views of the Columbia River and the hills beyond, the project is surrounded by an expanse of the native sagebrush steppe. The sinuous entry road captures glimpses of the river and heritage center while the entry path aligns with the equinox sunrise, marked by the Wanapum seasons and language. A simple terrace faces the Columbia River; it is a place for meals and gathering near the river that has sustained the Wanapum people since time immemorial. The 50,000 square foot building houses the permanent exhibit and repository as well as the transparent Welcome Place, which houses the facility's more active visitor and community-based functions.