Climate Pavilion
We are always looking for ways that our work can have a positive impact on our communities. In 2020 – a pivotal
moment in American history – we wanted to speak directly to the design community about the importance of voting.
We approached three other firms around the country with an architectural challenge - to collaboratively design
four structures that when viewed from above would spell out the word “VOTE.”
For our contribution (focused on the letter “O”) we designed a structure that encourages the public to engage
with the environment while simultaneously providing a gallery space for education on climate science.
Collectively, with our architecture and design community, we must use our voices to make it clear to our
leaders that climate progress is necessary. Buildings and their construction account for nearly 1/3 of the
energy used in this country. As architects and designers we must not only create buildings that function more
efficiently but also educate the public on why those design decisions are crucial.
Whether it’s talking to our clients about the value of sustainable design in
their homes or designing public spaces that encourage gathering for all, we aim to champion
conversations on how we can literally build a better, more just world.
The letter O, a perfect circle, is a universal symbol of unity. In our design of the climate pavilion we use
that gesture to create a space that brings people together for a common cause.
To reduce building costs, material waste and construction times we chose to use only straight lines to design
the rounded form. Our design uses 30 straight 4x4” members to create a circular “basket” which is then planted
like a mini forest. Using advanced 3D design software makes it possible for our team to create the complex,
parametric geometry used in this public installation. The result is a combination of sculpture, public park,
and education center.
Visitors enter the pavilion by descending into the earth where the layers of soil are exposed. At the ground level there is a gallery space that’s filled with information about human impact on our climate. Then, a central elevator carries them up through a hanging garden to a viewing tower where guests can look out on the surrounding nature and reflect back on what they have learned.
The climate pavilion is designed to be constructed out of sustainably sourced materials which can be broken down into parts and rebuilt. This design decision both minimizes waste and allows the structure to be reused as a way to spread climate awareness to several areas of the country.
