NEW VANTAGE
The design is based around the idea of achieving a new vantage point from which to take in the surrounding Illinois landscape, through sculptural intervention.
Illinois topography is often flat and one dimensional, offering limited viewable access to the surrounding natural landscape. The observation platform provides quick access to a new elevation with a 360 degree vantage of the park.
By providing this new level, the user gains a different perspective of the landscape previously not achievable. The design is achieved by clean lines and a light structure to provide a small footprint.
NEW VANTAGE: The main idea of the observation pavilion is to allow for people to view the park from a new view. By taking the normal ground level vantage of humans elevating it multiple levels new viewing vantages are achieved.
STRUCTURAL CORE: To support the elevated platform a structural core is needed. Four steel members fixed in the ground are used as the main vertical structure. Cross bracing on all four sides provides lateral structure on each side.
SCULPTURAL: Further structure is embedded into the form of the
structure. The angled structure fixed in the ground allows for the platform for to cantilever, and also allow for the structure to have a small footprint on the park. The form in turn becomes very sculptural and adds to its existing location aesthetically.
CIRCULATION: Circulation to the observation platform is achieved
via a staircase that circulated around the central structural core and with in the angled structural members. A elevator is also installed with in the center of the main structural core. This addition allows for ADA accessability to the platform.
