Stargazing

Look up

Look at

Look out

INTRODUCTION

After working with the intentional program, I wanted to create

a place for dreaming and a place to lie down and watch the

stars. The structure should be a visible landmark along the

cultural path, and give the people of Rindal a place to meet.

I also wanted to work with repeating modules, and see if the

structure itself could be used not only to carry loads, but also be

functional.

SITE

The structure is placed in the natural opening between the trees

on the periphery of the field. It is located on the edge to utilize

the height difference on the site.

THE STRUCTURE

The goal was to create a structure, which emphasized the

different qualities on the site, and give different spaces and

experiences to the users. The structure is based on a grid,

with a repeating frame. The diagonals connect the tower, the

bridge and the fireplace platform, and hold them together. The

diagonal braces are also used as benches, railings, and as

stairs inside the tower.

CONCEPT

There are three different spaces I wanted to enhance: a place to

look up at the stars, a place to experience the trees, and a place

for socializing.

The tower is focused upwards with high walls, and has a lower

wall facing the southern sky where you can rest your binoculars.

There is only room for 2-3 people, and there is also a place to

lie down. By ascending the tower, you are not physically closer

to the stars, but the ritual of going up can bring you closer in a

psychological sense.

The bridge is a welcoming threshold, which takes you from the

flat, open field, over the steep edge and into the treetops. There

are no walls, only railings.

The third place is located on the ground, and this is a social

space for a group of people. The focus and the benches are

faced towards the fire. The fireplace is partially dug down in the

ground. The stairs down from the field to the fireplace can also

be used as benches, and the platform above can give shelter if

it rains.

10m 20m

Site plan

Section A-A

shows the three levels