The waves are making waves. Few have seen anything like the iconic Port Wonder design, currently taking shape on the lakefront. Randy Goodloe, Lake Charles, was named architect for the project in 2018, and collaborated with CambridgeSeven, an architectural firm that does children’s museums all over the world.

The shape of the mostly glass 25,290 square-foot structure fashioned with laminated beams was not originally inspired by the water, as some might think. That connection came later.

“The building form was rooted in the idea of two elements coming together,” said Paul Hebert, associate principal, CambridgeSeven. “The one big curve coming in from the east and the smaller curve coming in from the west stems from the Children’s Museum and Nature Center coming together.”

The two forms reaching toward one another started as angular forms, Herbert said, and during the creative, interactive process those forms were softened into the wave look.

It was a concept that looked great. A fit. On paper. Then became the challenge of how to make it work.

“That took us the next few years,” Herbert said.

The project came with a host of challenges and expectations, according to Randy Goodloe.

“The importance of this project cannot be understated as to the effect it will have not only on our lakefront area, but also on the plan for this facility to become a major destination point for all of Southwest Louisiana, and of course the many travelers who drive past our beautiful lakefront and City.”

Goodloe and his team realized immediately that the dramatic exterior of the structure would draw interest and could become the talk of the region not for its design alone, but also  with respect to the exciting exhibits and interactive nature of what will be provided.

He was keenly aware that the prime piece of real estate that could set wheels in motion for future developments, deserved a well thought-out solution that would make a dramatic statement.

The architect behind the Legacy Center/Arena at McNeese State University, City Court Facilities for the City of Lake Charles, Cameron Parish Police Jury Administration Building, jail, DAs offices and historic courthouse, to name only a few of Goodloe’s projects, knew that a project constructed near a major waterway in Southwest Louisiana, a project that could be impacted by major storms would require certain consideration.

“A multitude of problems had to be addressed, and solutions would have to be included in the design in order to solve those challenges,” he said.

Port Wonder is built seven feet above grade. Laminated wood beams give a wonderful aesthetic to the building, but had to be wrapped with a protective coating to maintain the finish that will be exposed within the interior spaces. A metal roof system was found that can be curved and provided in one continuous sheet of material, plus meet wind speed requirements.

Goodloe doesn’t see the Port Wonder project as a “pinnacle of his success.” He calls it a blessing, and he hopes God blesses him to continue his architectural journey, he said.

He gives credit to his “very talented staff of dedicated professionals who made it possible to be considered for this and other projects.”

“I am very proud of my firm’s portfolio and body of work,” he said, and his idea of success is designing buildings that will impact future generations. “I’d like for my grandchild to pass one of my buildings and feel a sense of pride that his grandfather did that.”