When the Grand Canyon National Park proposed new goals for development of any future construction within the Park, they retained OZ Architecture to develop new Design Guidelines. First, OZ conducted an extensive survey and evaluation of all buildings in the Park. As a result, detailed Guidelines were developed that now form the basis for any future design so that new buildings will contribute to the existing sense of place. This means structures will be designed to "fit in" with their sites rather than dominate them. Second, sustainable building systems, materials, and construction technique Guidelines were designed to encourage reduction of consumption of materials and energy, reduce waste, and provide intelligent choices about how a building is used, benefiting the environment both locally and globally. And third, the Guidelines reinforce the Park Service's goal of continuing the rustic style for important public buildings that contributes to visitors' understanding of where they are and why this place is important. The Guidelines were written with a healthy respect for the Canyon environment, tempered by the economic realities of our time, and the ever-present reminder that we are building on holy ground.
