‘evolver’ alice studio in zermatt, switzerland all images courtesy alice studio
alice studio, a group of students from the ecole polytechnique fédérale de lausanne has built a spiraling viewing platform in zermatt, switzerland. located on the edge of lake stelli, the ‘evolver’ enables visitors to engage with and observe the panoramic landscape in a new and responsive manner.
by lake stelli
composed of 24 wooden frames that serve as the structural spine of the project, the design encases a continuous 720 degree route. an uninterrupted slit travels along the tubular path, providing a framed view of the site which changes according to the visitor’s vantage point. open wooden slats render the structure completely exposed to the elements, resulting in a viewing station that is holistically experiential and well-connected to its landscape.
interior view
framed view
structural detail
approach
walk through
construction stage
physical model
details
schematic diagram – 360 degree panoramic path, 720 degree path with elevation
shaping concept
axonometric model
front elevation
section
section
plan
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armand Feb 14, 2011 kirsten Feb 14, 2011 steve Feb 13, 2011 e* Feb 12, 2011 Este Crafford Feb 12, 2011
more commentstotally agree with steve.
Is this serious? One of the most beautiful places in Europe, and you honestly think one should buidld anything there? So totally unnecessary and disruptive in this wonderful landscape up there! I am certainly glad I got to see the place before the lake and view got ruined. Hope it’s not a permanent structure!!!!
Tod, it’s only since we started building up the planet that people in the west started to look at the landscape in the way we do. To suggest it’s something we are programmed to be able to do is, sorry, simply not true. Our inability to comprehend large views is not recent evolution. It’s only in the last 200 years or so that the west have even been looking at the landscape in aesthetic terms. I know it’s hard to comprehend, but that doesn’t mean it’s wrong. Yes it’s a beautiful view. But you know what? The world is full of beautiful views. I’m not suggesting we need to build in quality landscapes. The fact remains, visual focal points in large landscapes, if done properly, can actually help us in our aesthetic understanding of qualities.
First when I saw this picture and I think what a beautiful place with the mountains and lake but wait…what the heck is that wooden thing sitting there and spoil the great scenery?!!?
So, I totally agreed with Tod and all the others with Tod.
I agree whole heartedly with Tod. Well said, Tod! I am all for good design, but this is a blot on an otherwise beautiful landscape. It is not needed!