Earth Observatory - I-80 Highway Rest Stop Renovation

The Earth Observatory is a restroom renovation project situated along the I-80 highway, designed to challenge and transform the negative stereotypes associated with public restrooms, often viewed as "dark, dirty, and unsafe." Public surveys in recent years have consistently highlighted these concerns, emphasizing the need for an innovative approach to restroom design. This project seeks to improve people's perceptions by merging functional utility with the surrounding natural beauty, creating a space that integrates with the landscape rather than detracts from it. By doing so, the design aims to reshape the user experience, offering more than just a stopover but a moment of reflection and interaction with the environment.

Drawing inspiration from the site's natural features, particularly the interplay of muddy land and salty water, the Earth Observatory incorporates an element filter installation to create an immersive, multi-sensory experience. This installation serves as a symbolic and literal filter through which visitors engage with their surroundings, emphasizing the elements of earth and water that define the area. By blending these natural features with functional design elements, the space becomes a platform for exploration and discovery. The restroom itself is reimagined as a place not just for utility but for interaction, offering a playground-like environment that encourages visitors to explore.

The visitor’s journey through the space is deliberately arranged, guiding them along a thoughtfully designed route that reveals the beauty of the earth. The goal is to inspire contemplation—not only of the natural environment but also of our responsibility to care for it. By emphasizing the relationship between humans and the earth, the design fosters a sense of connection and stewardship. Ultimately, the Earth Observatory invites visitors to reflect on how we treat the land and inspires a more mindful, respectful approach to our environment.

Program/ Infrastructure, Pavilion, Rest Spot, Parking, Land Art
Site Area/ 31,000 sqft
Site/ Utah, United States
The intersection(s) of The Great Salt Lake Desert and Interstate 80.
Center/North side of I-80 between mile markers 21 and 22.