Dan Winger
Wadman was privileged to work on this adaptive reuse project for the LDS Church in Layton, UT. The state of the art research facility designed by Architectural Nexus opened in November. Layton Family Search houses the most advanced genealogy research tech available in the world. Wadman team members include Dallin Chambers, Dan Winger, Dan Schaefer, Kristie Wiggill, Kelley Graves, and Heidi Scott.
“As this existing building passes into its 30th year having seen several tenants and multiple owners, a modern makeover extends its useful life many years into the future appealing to contemporary tastes while maintaining a link to its history. The link is indicative of the buildings function, a family history center for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The owner’s challenge was to create a project that would appeal to younger generations and help create a buzz for the activities happening within. The building entrances, through the tool of architectural procession, became a symbolic bridge between today’s youth and previous generations. The family History Center utilizes over 90 percent of the existing structure and the implementation of moments of modern structure with contemporary flare at the entry points bring it all together. The three main entries to the building were redesigned to provide branding to the building in their form and use of graphics as well as make them easily identifiable and welcoming. Moving into the interior, partition walls were removed to create a large open floor plan that is easily understood. The use of bold color, printed wall graphics and varieties of furniture allow the building itself to be an icon of the Family Search brand.”
Good 4 Utah Article:
Free FamilySearch Center opens to public in Layton
By ALI MONSEN | amonsen@good4utah.com
LAYTON, Utah (ABC 4 Utah) - People in Davis County have a new free place to learn about their heritage. Directors say the Layton Utah FamilySearch Center is more comprehensive and advanced than any other in the world.
Touch screen TVs and super speedy scanners -- that is what family history work of the future looks like.
"This is taking it to a whole other level," said Lyle Elmore, Director of the new center.
It used to be that genealogy was tedious, tiring work, but not anymore, according to Suzanne Curley, who helped design the state-of-the-art facility. The 14,000 square-foot building is equipped with experts and tools to help people discover new things about themselves and...