Harvest Pavilion

What were the circumstances of receiving the commission for this project?

We were awarded this project after a competitive interview process involving several firms. After being awarded the commission, our firm chose to provide design services on a pro bono basis, in recognition of the client’s limited resources and the public service nature of their mission.

Can you describe your design process for the building?

It was very straightforward, given the nature and scale of the project. The design process was completed within a few months. Given the school's limited access to any form of construction funding, we conceived the design to address a range of objectives: Make use of easily obtained and inexpensive materials, buildable with the support of a modestly skilled work force; provide a means of securing the adjacent garden from animals and vandals; provide a venue for various workshops, demonstrations, and performances, allowing for the pavilion to function as a proscenium for events involving large groups of spectators; serve as a “gateway” structure mediating the garden and the adjacent campus grounds.

How does the completed building compare to the project as designed? Were there any dramatic changes between the two and/or lessons learned during construction?

The pavilion features conventional wood frame construction, making use of commonly available materials, being transportable with the use of small vehicles, and allowing assembly by a substantially inexperienced work force. The limited scope of the project allowed for a relatively smooth design and construction process.

How does the building compare to other projects in your office, be it the same or other building types?

Our office specializes in educational projects and some residential work.  This project is significantly smaller than most.

How does the building relate to contemporary architectural trends, be it sustainability, technology, etc.?

Our goal was to embrace a very raw aesthetic, one that captures the simplicity of traditional agricultural structures, but with material selections and detailing clearly informed by a modern design sensibility. These materials include conventional corrugated translucent fiberglass sheathing used for the entirety of the roof, allowing for a naturally illuminated but fully weather protected space; and custom built panels of wood lattice milled from conventional lumber hung from stock sliding barn door hardware. Additionally rain water is allowed to sheet down each section of roof to a custom gutter system, freely draining to four strategically situated gravel dry wells below.

Are there any new/upcoming projects in your office that this building’s design and construction has influenced?

We have seen this as a “laboratory project” for a larger scale educational/agricultural project we are working on.

Email interview conducted by John Hill