Olympic Pavilion
Sunnyside, Pretoria
The ritual [sport] of rowing, as it is externally performed, is not contained within an architectural vessel, the ritual becomes the architecture. The ritual of this event, however, extends beyond the boundaries of the water bodies on/within which it is performed. The process of engaging physically and ,in some sense, visually with the ritual of this sporting event is housed within the physical architecture allowing the procession of the event. The intention for the architecture of the rowing pavilion is to provide vantage points, which become the catalysts for engaging with the ritual of the event.
Apies Rivier
The pavilion is submerged and modestly knit into the surrounding landscape, enhancing the emphasis placed on the ritual of the event, rather than the architecture itself. In this regard, the pavilion assumes the position/personality of a mediating a device allowing for the weaving of opposing forces. The pavilion ultimately becomes the bond between the arrogant earth and the tender river. The vantage points, as well as the procession through the pavilion allows the viewer to be subliminally intertwined with the ritual of the event. This mediation is extended through to the physical tectonic relationship the building has with the landscape.
The pavilions tectonic resolution progresses from a stereotomic mass, relating to the notion of heavy earth [mindful nature of the architecture], to a tectonic frame which relates to the notion of the lightness of the water mass, although it is in essence a heavy mass. The tectonic frame drifts over the water mass in such a way as to not disturb the peaceful nature thereof, but at the same time to mediate between the two opposing environments - where land and water meet. The architecture is moulded into a mediating realm of experience and transformation, allowing viewers the opportunity to experience the ritual of rowing.
