tonic design: art as shelter

'art as shelter' by tonic design in raleigh, north carolina
all images courtesy of tonic design


'art as shelter' by raleigh based tonic design is a pavilion constructed on the sculpture park
of the north carolina museum of art. designed and built as an integral part of the museum's
'art-in-service' project, the structure provides a space to sit and reflect on the surrounding
wooded site.

the design allows for a number of interpretation: as an art object in the landscape, a space
to be experienced from within, a device that frames the sculptures in the distance.
horizontal bands made from perforated metal wraps the entire volume in varying widths,
offering a subtle yet dynamic look to the facade. a long promenade leads up to the entrance,
serving as a public greenway in the park. the open interior of the pavilion encourages its use
as an outdoor classroom.

'art as shelter' is this year's recipient of AIA's small project awards under the 'architecture in
the public interest' category.



entrance









elevation



promenade






facade detail






site plan



circulation and solar diagram



during construction