Heiligdom
For this Studio 3 project, I was asked to design a pavilion for the Chatfield Reservoir in Colorado. Heiligdom, meaning sanctuary in Dutch, encompasses the concept of this pavilion. The desire to design a space where user's could escape from the noise of everyday life and from the busy areas within the park.
Heiligdom is positioned offshore with an approach that is at water level to allow those walking to the pavilion to experience walking through the water while staying dry. The long approach enables the structure to be far enough away for user's to enjoy the peace within the Cottonwood trees while disconnecting from what they're leaving back on shore.
As the user emerges out of the water they cross over the first of three platforms, encouraging them to move through the thresholds which bring them higher out of the water. To the user's left as they make their way through the space, there are recycled fishing nets suspended over the water used to encourage lounging and relaxation. Once the user makes their way to the terminus of the pavilion, they encounter a large opening in the roof as well as the final platform. This aperture surrounds a Cottonwood tree to establish a feeling of being within the tree canopy which also contributes to the atmosphere being one of ease. The water reflects onto the white concrete, birds are singing, and those who enjoy the quiet have a place to escape to.
