This doughnut-shaped pavilion by Scottish artist Aeneas Wilder offers visitors a view across the landscape of Limburg, Belgium, from behind a ring of wooden slats (+ slideshow).
Named Untitled #158, the wooden structure is positioned on a hillside and is lifted up on legs as the ground slopes away beneath it.
An open doorway leads into the pavilion, inviting anyone to step inside.
The project is one in a series of permanent structures instigated by the Z33 gallery for public spaces in the Haspengouw region. Other completed projects include a see-through church.
Photography is by Kristof Vrancken.
Here's a project description from Wilder's website:
Pit, Art in the public space of Borgloon
Untitled # 158.
This permanent public art installation was the culmination of several years project development between Z33 and Aeneas Wilder.
The resulting installation, Untitled # 158, is an architectural construction consisting of a 360° wooden chamber projecting horizontally from the side of a small valley in the province of Limburg.
The structure sits close to the hamlet of Kerniel in the proximity of the Klooster van Colen and references the religious heritage of the surrounding area, the historical development of town settlements from the middle ages as well as the natural cycle of this rich agricultural landscape.
Materials: Douglas Fir, stainless steel, tropical hardwood, concrete.
Size: 1700cm x 1700cm x 520cm.
Date: May 4th 2012
The floor is such a pity!
What a shame the decking wasn’t concentric as well, but otherwise poetry made from timber – quite beautiful.
Hello Brian, yes it is a shame that the decking was not concentric also. Unfortunately there were two good reasons. principally the decking is structural. The other was budget, although even with more money the aesthetic would have improved but the structure may not have passed inspection. Ideally i would liked to have ommited the floor altogether, but then it becomes a death trap and a public liability nighmare, albeit a very beautiful one. If you have a spare £180,000 I will do you one with a concentric floor.
Actually I think that the perspective of the interior offers an interesting juxtaposition of patterns and the decking is part of it.
Also, from the outside it does seem to be concentric and homogeneous.
It is very alluring as a piece of art. The photos make me want to visit, walk around it and experience the shapes, shadows and moire effects. But I’m not sure I’m keen on squashing my face between the uprights to get a view of the countryside. And I think this is reflected in the artist decription – no mention of ‘pavilion’, ‘look out’, etc.
Very impressive Mr Wilder!
Perhaps you have some construction pictures also? I would think there would have been several temporary supports needed until the entire structure was complete and able to hold itself together.
My first thought? This structure is screaming for a geodesic roof of some sort – how cool would that be?!? :-) I really like this!