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