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Prairie Architects, Inc. |
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American Gothic House Visitor's Welcome Center Eldon, Iowa |
Reports by first-time visitors suggest that some are disappointed by their experience. In order to improve the quality of visitor experience, we need to understand why that may be the case. Visitor expectations are rooted in their memory of the American Gothic painting, which, after all, contains only a fragment of the actual building facade. This fragment is what they expect to see when they go to the site. To further complicate the issue, when viewed from the side -- as one approaches the house today -- this fragment is only seen momentarily when passing the front of the house. |
Expectations |
Elements of the painting -- the lone house, the red barn, the pitchfork, and the resolute demeanor of the couple -- leave the impression that the house and its occupants are located in a secluded rural are with perhaps only corn fields nearby. This is at variance with the experience as one now approaches the house. The American Gothic House is bordered on the east by several newer structures of varied construction types and purposes, producing a rich visual clutter. Driving past the water treatment plant, the view of the Gothic House is totally obscured, while the final approach is flanked by several houses and mobile residences in competing styles and colors. |
Prairie Architects, Inc. -- 103 South Third Street -- Fairfield, Iowa 52556 |