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Follies in the Park

8/25/2013

fol·ly
ˈfälē
noun

lack of good sense; foolishness.
"an act of sheer folly"
a costly ornamental building with no practical purpose, esp. a tower or mock-Gothic ruin built in a large garden or park.

Did you read that? That second definition..."a costly ornamental building with no purpose". Ouch. I suppose my definition of a folly is much more forgiving and broad. I've always seen a folly as a hidden jewel of a structure. Something obviously foreign in its environment but something that enhances its surroundings just the same. When done right, it offers refuge and peace.

In college, I was fortunate enough to spend a year in Stuttgart, Germany on a year-long study abroad trip. Different than my husband's own experience where he traveled with his UTA professors and classmates, I was shipped off with a handful of other KU students from all different studies. I was one of just a handful of architectural students. The abundant weekends and vacations allowed for numerous trips around Europe, though without a professor, it was up to me to discover the architectural wonders, both modern and historic.

The photos above are from my trip to Paris. Forgive the quality...these are actually photos of prints -imagine the day before digital cameras or even mobile phones. This is Parc de la Villette in NE Paris. It was designed by Bernard Tschumi, one of my favorite architects back in the day. There are thirty-five follies throughout the park, placed on a grid, offering organization and points of reference. Over the years, I've referenced this park and its red buildings set against the greenery of the gardens...not to mention all the cultural buildings and pedestrian bridges.

Here is my idea of a folly: a functional yet flexible space using simple materials. Though alien looking set in this natural setting, the shape is actually derived from nature: the coil of the snail's shell. The small scale of the two-room footprint lends itself to simple functions: a studio, an afternoon retreat, or an isolated band room. The beauty is realized by its placement among a lush forest or perhaps the exact opposite, a rolling prairie.

Kids + Architecture + Exploration

8/16/2013

My son had camping-themed lessons at day school this past week. Despite my husband's pleads, we have yet to go camping as a family. However, I promise once it cools off, I'm willing to give it a shot. Without the comforts of a cabin. My son is obviously extremely excited to do so. The proof is in the make shift blanket-tent still erected in the dining room. Every night after school we crawl inside to read books by the light of the toy lantern, drink hot cocoa, eat supper and then pretend to sleep in sleeping bags.

Great memories, don't you think? And all we did is build a simple tent.

This past spring Thrasher Works was able to execute something similar but on a much grander scale. We helped th+a (t. howard + associates architects, inc.) construct a play structure at the Dallas Arboretum, an exhibit which will be up through the end of December. Granted, th+a's designer (not me) was the driving force behind the final creation, I'd like to think Thrasher Works brought some knowledgeable buildingskills to the table, not to mention those beautiful ipe trimmed portals.

Our exhibit celebrates the polar expeditions of Admiral Byrd in the early 20th Century.

Now that there's a break in the 100 degree weather, I may finally get my son out there to visit. We'll have to bring our sleeping bags and camp out!

Photo from last weekend with all the Arboretum's embellishments.

Follies in the Park

Kids + Architecture + Exploration

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