Southern Vermont Natural History Museum
Hogback Mountain, Vermont, 2003

In 2003 the Southern Vermont Natural History Museum selected Michael Singer with Shepley Bulfinch Richardson and Abbott Architects and Calen Colby from Oest Associates Engineering to provide the vision for a new museum and visitor center in Marlboro, Vermont. Dr. Dolores Root, museum specialist, joined the team to work closely with the design team developing the museum and visitor center's mission and programs. The site, known as Skyline, is located on Route 9 midway between Bennington and Brattleboro. This stunning location, setting, and its expansive 100-mile view, is the main attraction for thousands of tourists using this scenic route. The Vermont Department of Highways will assist in funding the facility. The integration of the building design within its setting creates an experience that provides different ways of seeing the Vermont landscape. The three vertical levels of the building correspond spatially to the overview and sky, being in the trees, and walking on the ground. The interpretive programs explore these themes, "Gateway to Special Places", on each level; nature's impact, human imprints, and the dynamic interactions between humans and nature.

The best practice in sustainable design is a guiding principle of the project. The building is a demonstration of energy efficiency, solar collection, on site storm water treatment, careful selection of building materials, naturalized landscape, and habitat creation.

Singer's first work resulted in "Outside the Box: Whole Foods Market Alternative Site Planning and Environmental Design". This guidelines document presents several scales of opportunities for any Whole Foods Market store to consider. Whole Foods Market has now asked Michael Singer to join their team to lead the concept designs for several planned Florida stores. The focus of these designs is on the interaction between the building and its site, landscape, circulation, aesthetic, natural systems, energy conservation, public spaces, and community programs.

Artist/Designer: Michael Singer
Architecture: Michael Singer, Peter Nobile and Hernan Schlosman at Shepley Bulfinch Richardson and Abbott Architects
Conceptual Renderings: Trevor Lee
Engineering: Calen Colby at Oest Associates Inc.

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