This Thesis titled “Amplifying Aquatic Thresholds: A Great Lakes conservation research center on Washington Island, WI” investigates the question, “how do natural formations influence the way we interact with a site as a whole?” Natural formations can include but are not limited to islands, bluffs, forests, and lakes. A unique structure allows for holistic design around natural formations, working with their complexities rather than ignoring them. The unifying idea that guides my research is maximizing economy and eco-sustainability by encompassing natural forms with structural elements to sustain an island lifestyle. A conservation research center for the Great Lakes on Washington Island, WI will expand the island’s eco-tourism and create an outlet for facilitating a sustainability movement for further development.