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Architecture & design studio  
in New York led by Sasha Topolnytska.

Delight

A finalist proposal for ArchTriumph Pavilion Competition
2020
London, UK

Architectural installation, public space activation Since 18th century garden follies have been an integral feature of the English landscape. Having no specific program, follies primarily function to complete and enhance the natural setting of the landscape within which it is placed. Delight becomes Museum Garden’s own folly by enriching the landscape with its picturesque architectural qualities. Formally inspired by the Roman temple, which has been an inspiration for many early garden follies, the installation is then sliced to let the landscape spill in and out.

As visitors circulate around the pavilion they discover that Delight provokes many perceptions. Monolithic yet light, solid yet transparent, bold yet thin, these variations all depend on where one stands within and around the installation. As one stands parallel to the ribbed structure pavilion appears light and transparent, allowing the views and light to spill in, through and out. But if one stands perpendicular to the structure, pavilions’ temple like architectural form enhances the picturesque quality of the surrounding landscape.

Delight stands on 10 half-circle columns that form 10 arches. While arches celebrate the surrounding landscape by framing views of the park, they also serve as open entries welcoming the visitors to come in. The entire structure is constructed with 2” thick, pre-fabricated laminated plywood ribs spaced 4” apart with wood blocks that also serve as the connecting structure on a bottom of the installation. On the top of the installation, prefabricated laminated plywood ribs are held tight together with a series of stainless-steel rods that create a seamless connection. The entire installation could be free standing or can be grounded to the landscape with no-dig ground anchors attached to the perimeter of the installation as needed.