Yosemite Valley

With the majestic backdrop of the Yosemite Valley, three food concessions—at Degnan’s, Yosemite Lodge, and Curry Village—are refueling points for visitors as they experience spectacular nature. Yet the facilities hadn’t been updated in almost half a century and were accommodating many more people than they had been designed for.

Working with Aramark, we redesigned the concession spaces to maximize the enjoyment of nature; improve circulation to move visitors from entry to eating more efficiently; and celebrate the history of the park and unique story of each destination.

Rather than making new statements in a place that nature has already endowed with plenty, the designs enhance the facilities with new looks that reflect the future and honor the past. Interpretive elements detail not only the Valley’s history, but also contemporary and future issues such as water usage, wildlife, material sources, and sustainability.