Category Archives: 1970s

William L. Kite, Jr., FAIA founded the architecture firm that is now KITE Architects in 1974 alongside his wife Linna. Some of the early work below reflects the firm’s commitment to “green building” before the term became fashionable. Many of the projects from this period have become community icons.

Roger Williams Park Zoo

Located in the heart of the historic Roger Williams Park, the early menagerie that opened in 1872 was the United States’ third official zoo. By 1978 the City of Providence and the RI Zoological Society decided to upgrade its facilities. They turned to KITE for the design of a series of new pavilions, walkways, and exhibits.

The new park designed by KITE embodies the interactive and educational spirit of the modern zoo. New walkways lead visitors through preserved natural wetlands area. Special exhibits for polar bears and sea lions incorporate underwater viewing windows. Exhibits include carefully designed habitats for North and South American animals that are seamless within the park’s topography and vegetation. The children’s learning center pavilion uses natural materials and ample daylight.

Wind in the Pines Girl Scout Camp

Located on 142 acres in Plymouth, Massachusetts, the Girl Scouts came to KITE with a request to develop a master plan for the Wind in the Pines Girl Scout Camp that met their needs for a year-round camping and conference center.

KITE responded with a plan that respected the natural features of the land and provided a role model through its use of sustainable design techniques. In addition to the master plan, KITE also designed many of the pavilions as part of a phased construction plan. The buildings make ample use of passive solar heating and cooling strategies, and provide a unique character that comfortably integrates its natural surroundings.

As a pioneer in what we think of as green design today, many of the innovative design strategies explored through the pavilion designs are now mainstream.

 

Lincoln Woods State Park

A popular destination for swimmers in the summer and skaters in the winter, the freshwater beach at Lincoln State Park is marked by facilities designed by KITE. The cluster of buildings that form the park’s center is carefully sited to blend with the landscape overlooking Olney Pond. The buildings house an interpretive center for the park’s nature program, a ranger station, toilet facilities, and a concession stand.

The incorporation of passive solar design and other sustainable design features testify to KITE’s long standing commitment to green architecture.