This modular "pavilion in the park" was designed to be demountable and transportable for future disassembly and reassembly at multiple future locations. Its first use was for an exhibit telling the story of Seattle's South Lake Union neighborhood—its past, present, and future.
Environmental Aspects
The project sits on the eastern edge of a full-block urban park that has been gifted to the city until the site is developed to its maximum zoning potential. As a temporary building, the structure sits lightly on the land, suspended above the gently sloping terrain atop short concrete piers. The building edges are cantilevered, allowing the grade and vegetation to run uninterrupted beneath.
Four-sided steel frame bents, bolted together, provide the structure for the building and span the interior gallery and exhibit space. The metal-clad building envelope components are designed as shop-fabricated, modular assemblies. The service functions of the pavilion are housed in a linear component that faces the park. Its softer wood materials and colors harmonize with the adjacent park and open space.
Presentation centers for residential developments such as this one typically have very short lifespans, since they disappear after construction is complete and the units sold. The modular nature of the project will allow it to serve for a much longer period of time. The building separates at three integrated joints to break into four separate modules capable of being transported along surface streets, where the building may resume functioning in its current capacity or be reprogrammed for an entirely new use.
Owner & Occupancy
Owned by Vulcan, Inc.
Typically occupied by 10 people, 40 hours per person per week; and 415 visitors per week, 1 hour per visitor per week
