Piertzovanis Toews

Description

It all began with an open letter. Young people were looking for a shelter where they could meet and gather. The community formed a task group that included them and proceeded to develop a concept focused on landscape and ecology as well as simplicity and accessibility. A collaborative process involving numerous meetings and workshops gave rise to the vision of a small, weather-protected pavilion just outside the village. A light wooden frame floating above the meadow, with sliding panels to protect against wind and weather. The movable elements allow for countless spatial configurations – whether as a cosy lounge, a concert stage or a semi-open mini-theatre. The translucent glazing filters the light and casts changing patterns on the floor and walls throughout the day. Beyond design and planning, creativity was also required to raise funds. The story of the young people's initiative opened doors with many businesses and suppliers. Some donated used trapezoidal metal sheets or curtains; others provided discounted polycarbonate panels or paint buckets with brushes and rollers. In addition, the young people joined forces to help with construction. The pavilion was constructed with the smallest possible ecological footprint. The wood was sourced in the surrounding forests; sheet metal and curtains were given a second life here; and the bolted foundations can simply be unbolted and reused – leaving the meadow undamaged. The pavilion is a vivid symbol of participatory and collective creation.