Ruth Lilly Visitors Pavilion, Experience Of Nature And Art

Ruth Lilly Visitors Pavilion By Marlon Blackwell Architect

Design concept for the Ruth Lilly Visitors Pavilion came during the initial visit to the site, as he found porous leaves on the forest floor that had been devoured by insects.
The Ruth Lilly Visitors Pavilion using Ipe wood forms extensive decks; it then folds up to form a wall and folds again to create an extensive shade canopy. In an innovative move, Marlon Blackwell placed ultraviolet-rated translucent acrylic bars in the spacing between the wood deck pieces to create a surface people can walk on. Lighting underneath the decking by Marlon Blackwell makes it glow. Then Marlon Blackwell sandwich its in between the folded decking is a 1,200-square-foot, glass-enclosed lounge covered by a skylight.
Marlon Blackwell creats the deck canopy dappled light that shifts and changes throughout the day, making it alive with light and shadow.
The interior space of Ruth Lilly Visitors Pavilion is surrounded by glass on three sides in addition to the skylight ceiling above, allowing visitors to maintain a powerful connection to the natural world around them. The building provides a versatile gathering and education space, restrooms, and emergency services. Carefully sited and in the woods of 100 Acres, the ADA accessible building is accessed by the park’s network of pedestrian Landscape Journeys.
Because of its secluded location and the lack of extensive views beyond the immediate woods, this place becomes a spot for reflection.
The Ruth Lilly Visitors Pavilion idea is that you would come here to begin to interpret the experience of nature and art, It’s just one destination on the journey through the park.