Jury comments: This project looks to bring people deeper into the landscape when hiking to Thoreau’s cabin at Walden Pond. The project delicately positions relevant artifacts that both respect the hosting landscape and create a procession of spaces that can elevate the experience of moving through nature. Located along the Esker Trail on the south side of Walden Pond, the pavilion houses public amenities including a gallery, meeting room and a public function room.
The jury comment on the quiet elegance of the design, simple and restrained like Thoreau’s cabin. The renderings are very impressive and communicated the design intent with great skill. The siting of the project is respectful of the location but some jurors questioned the desire to add any structures to the Walden Pond Park, stating that the park is perhaps too sacred for such interventions. If one is accepting of the premise that there is a legitimate desire to create a structure with public spaces – this project is done with great skill. The connectivity between the building and the landscape is captivating and well done. The jury wished that more information about the nature of the exhibits and programs planned for this pavilion would help further articulate the programmatic mission of this project.
