“Performance Pavilion”
Academic Work, Fall 2014 Design Studio
The class was tasked with designing a performance pavilion for Kickapoo State Recreation Area in Vermilion County, Illinois. After multiple site visits and hikes, the shifting terrain, scaling stones, and water features inspired me to explore the concept of action sports, such as snowboarding and skateboarding, which rely on terrain changes. This led to the manipulation of architectural massing and sloped surfaces. I used monolithic pillars to lift the roof, exposing the space beneath. Drawing inspiration from Cirque du Soleil, I designed a performance area where performers could traverse unorthodox spaces. A grid of columns was arrayed to form a stadium-like seating arrangement, blurring the boundaries between function, aesthetics, and structure.
