BNIM designed the Ozark Education Center Bull Shoals Field Station to provide further educational opportunities for students at Missouri State University in Springfield, Missouri.

The Bull Shoals Field Station is an existing research location for Missouri State University (MSU) students located within the Ozarks on the shores of Bull Shoals lake and within the Drury-Mincy conservation area. There is an increasing demand for educational opportunities within the college and other organizations at the Bull Shoals Field Station.

This project provides a location for education and research by MSU faculty and students, other universities, and non-profit organizations. The Ozarks Education Center, at +/-4,000 gsf, will provide one central location to accommodate larger groups with sleeping and bathing quarters, a dining center, classroom space, and room for programs.

The building is divided up into community space and residential space by way of an entry dogtrot and separate sleeping units. Small and large groups up to 60 people can be accommodated in the community space housed in the main building. The cabins accommodate 23 overnight guests at a time. They are located down in the topography and forest to immerse the guests into the environment, providing a full sensory experience. The restrooms associated with the residential component of this project are on the north side of the dogtrot. There is access to field equipment and a wash station from the exterior and close to the building entry.

Architect: BNIM
Photography: Kelly Callewaert