Perch & Promenade: A folly Named Ophelia
A proposal for the Brickbay Folly 2024.
Our response is to create a gently elevated structure that would offer generous views of the pond, of the dancing trees, as well as a sheltered space for respite, and an ideal spot for picnics. By drawing inspiration from the tensility observed in footbridges while hiking around Aotearoa, our architectural folly harmonizes with the undulating topography and meandering paths of the site. We extract the essence of its bouncy playful nature, its modular construction methods that allow for easy assembly its ability to touch the landscape lightly. To achieve this, we propose a gradual footbridge-like ramp connected by tensile wires that slopes and gently moves both upwards and downwards, creating a continuous promenade. These ideas are collided with our own experiences of the subject site as the folly openly invites you to slow down: to perch on the raised landings as the sail roof diffuses the sun, to picnic in the central courtyard amongst other flowery friends, and to dance with the folly as you walk onto the undulating paths. The design aims to convey a sense of lightness and transparency through its tensile structure, a seemingly still folly that awakens to the movement of people walking on it, its interaction with the wind, rain, and over time the performers of the landscape.
Studio team: Jack Wu, Raimana Jones
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