Gondwana Circle Design Competition
San Francisco Botanical Garden
Competition with Michael Zahn
San Francisco, CA 2009
Submission entry board
Inspired by earth masses and flora, the pavilion uses two primary
systems to reflect the fractured diversity and common origins of
Gondwana.
Plate tectonics and solar paths explicitly define geography, environment
and place. The plan and section views reflect tectonic shifting
and fracturing while maintaining a material consistency, poured-in-place
concrete. Its striated pattern reveals the extended duration and
repetition of its being poured over time, layer upon layer, changes in
temperature, mixing proportions and quantities.
An etched concrete floor within the Gondwana Circle illustrates shifting
tectonics, while porous pavers allow water absorption and added
texture. A massive concrete volume tilts forth from the ground plane to
provide seating and a planter. The main feature, a 12-foot high poured-in-place concrete wall rises and towers over visitors. Didactics posted
here will inform visitors about the geographical and geological connections
to floral and mineral similarities in the Gondwanan land masses.
Arcing from this heavy base a protea-influenced light aluminum trellis
spans overhead. Because flora depends on specific environmental
conditions, the pavilion abstracts these for its location here. The trellis
and photovoltaic screen, inspired by the solstice sun paths, provide
shade as well as power to a small pool and LED lighting. A small
water feature provides sound and a physical separation between the
concrete masses.