Pima Dynamite Trailhead

Located at the boundary between the city and desert, the Pima Dynamite Trailhead creates a public gateway into the expansive reaches of the northern McDowell Sonoran Preserve. The trailhead responds to the unique conditions of its site to provide a responsible interface for hikers, bikers, and equestrians to enjoy the beauty of the Sonoran Desert.

The structure is delicately integrated into the natural drainage flows and topography and within the constraints of two powerline corridors traversing this region of the preserve. Focused on preservation and restoration of the environment and ecology, new construction is concentrated on previously disturbed areas of the site and shielded from off-site views to minimize impact on the desert environment and surrounding communities. Site salvaged saguaros, trees, and soils are combined with additional native plants to sensitively restore previous site disturbances and seamlessly tie into the native desert.

The trailhead is oriented to reveal vistas and frame views of the preserve with a low folding form that responds to the climate to create expansive outdoor shaded spaces. The structure provides community restrooms and indoor-outdoor meeting spaces along with staff offices and maintenance facilities. A butterfly roof covers a recessed amphitheater and turns down into a perforated metal skin to shield from harsh eastern and western exposures. Interiors are washed in daylight through a continuous northern clerestory and skylights piercing a reclaimed wood slat ceiling. Slot windows along the southern facade engage with raised planters teeming with native pollinator plants. The skin of corten steel articulates each facade with texture, transparency, and shadow, reinforcing the architectural language of the greater preserve and allowing the building to naturally weather into the desert.