Designed by Marlon Blackwell Architects, the 100 Acres Visitors Pavilion will serve as the cornerstone of the park and promises to be one of the region’s signature architectural landmarks.

The form of the building takes inspiration from the structure and geometry of a fallen, folded leaf. The large angular deck folds back on itself to form the canopy above, both of which are constructed to allow for the free flow of sunlight and rain water, and the unique visible steel structure of the building is reminiscent of the leaf’s skeletal veins.

(via Flickr)

Here’s something really cool: the Pavilion will be a LEED certified structure, with careful attention paid to environmental sensitivity and energy efficiency throughout the design and construction process. To find out more about the eco-friendliness of the Pavilion, click HERE.

And since you’re here, check out this conversation between architect Marlon Blackwell and structural engineer Guy Nordensen:

Filed under: Art and Nature Park, Design, IMA TV

I have just finished an upload of a new set of Flickr images assembled by Andrea Mason, an IMA conservation intern.  She worked this summer with a contracted furniture conservator named Mark Minor to return a sideboard by Eliel Saarinen to its original glory.

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Filed under: Art, Conservation, Design