Providence, Rhode Island
2024

Inspired by ancient stepwells, the space is nestled in a valley and on a stream. From the beginning, its parti was compression and expansion enabled by structure that doubles as aperture. Like a loom, it is as if stacked members are repeatedly fragmented and weaved over and over again--blurring the line between solid and void.  

Drawing on the philosophy of stepwells where at each height travelers may rest in shaded nooks and still experience the architecture in conjunction with the natural water table height, three tiers of steps invite the user to dwell, rest, sit, or lay at the steps not submerged underwater.

At the front and back ends are thresholds that force users and vistas to compress in order to look out to the expansive views of the flowing stream; as users look out from inside then proceed to exit through these thresholds, they expand as the environment of the stream materializes around them--in contrast to the tight threshold they had just passed through.

An open roof forcefully confronts users with a vista to rest and gaze at natural elements and the sky above in contrast to the fragmented structure that melds structure with the surrounding natural environment.

The structure also bridges two sides of the valley across the stream. As if suggesting the form and flow of the structure, in each four corners, along vertices of the stacked members are curved braces that serve as a skeleton under the open roof and corner columns. A foundation also raises the entire structure from the earth.