map of Bedford County is centered in the
building with local merchant exhibits surrounding the map. The
map educates visitors about Bedford and points of interest
including historic Avenel [house museum], the Elks Home, the
National D-Day Memorial, Smith Mountain Lake, Jefferson’s
retreat home Poplar Forest, the Peaks of Otter, the Appalachian
Trail, the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Blue Ridge Parkway,
Booker T. Washington’s birthplace, and the five area
wineries to name a few. There is also an information desk for
travelers with onsite assistance available for scheduling trips
to other Virginia destinations like Jamestown, Williamsburg, Richmond,
Alexandria, and beyond. An orientation theater, gift shop, a
weather center to keep travelers advised about weather
conditions along their destinations, an Internet access station,
a coffee bar, and a friendly staff are on hand to assist
visitors from across the country or down the street. In many
ways, the Bedford Welcome Center is a destination point in
itself. It is a mini museum, a traveler’s information
center, a multipurpose community center, and a hub for economic
development.
STYLISTIC FORM AND FUNCTION
Various architectural styles were
investigated by the architects and Bedford city and county
personnel. Options included a traditional concept that borrowed
elements from traditional Bedford landmarks like the Bedford
Meeting House, Avenel, and the Elks Home. A more rustic option
was also presented in case it was desired by the users that the
building be more complementary to structures along the Blue
Ridge Parkway. Finally, a contemporary design was presented
with large expanses of glass, an open interior, and unique
massing of building elements. A combination of the three
options was eventually settled on successfully incorporating
rustic, traditional, and contemporary features.
The building’s glazed curtain wall construction
as well as its orientation to absorb views of the Peaks of
Otter and the National D-Day Memorial were paramount issues
during the design process. The exterior façade
incorporates large expanses of symmetrical glass along the
cruciform wings with elevated curtain wall construction at each
end of the cathedral
