Cabins in the Woods, Occasional Architecture.

I enjoy occasional architecture. Like I really enjoy occasional furniture. I wish I had the space for a beautifully formed telephone chair but unfortunately I don't, even if I did I probably wouldn't take calls sitting there, maybe I would, I don't know.  I just simply love the idea of perfectly formed objects in their place, even if that place is only occasionally recognised.

It's not just about filling the space, it's about a specific purpose, hence the 'ocational' prefix. Something I think is sometimes sadly forgotten in the present modern world of simple accumulation of things and this can easily be said about architecture too.

In most of Europe the architecture of the past is still very much present, still enforcing their occasional relevance on the cities I miss so much.  OMGEVING was appointed to give shape to the mixed ambitions of a public privet venture in Antwerp, Belgium. It is a combined effort of the local council and the heritage committee to rehabilitate the historical Boekenberg Park in the suburb of Deurne.

I really appreciate the investigation in to the site, the history, architecture and landscape to bring together and execute a proposal that approaches the new development within the framework of the original 18th century country garden principles. The idea of these grand landscapes is to guide the visitor carefully around a planned narrative with in the natural park setting, gently revealing dramatic 'events' along the way.

The transformation of this neglected esplanade has brought the park back to its ideal romantic form and glory.  A concrete pool has transformed the forest pond and now merges the water gently into its surroundings while accommodating a new aquatic ecosystem of fishes and plants.

At the opposite side of the water the three pavilions emerge. The most modern 'event' in the park. The occasional architecture. These buildings are designed like a group of independent artifacts, at the end of a vista, over the water. The forms seem to evoke images of the dramatic rock formations seen in 18th century paintings of any romantic painter you care to name. The gaps between them suggest chasms between cliffs, framing views of the more mature parkland on the opposite side of the water.

This project really warms my heart and gives me faith in my profession, history and the beauty of the timeless ideals that are apparent in contemporary architecture. It gives me strength in the face of horror shows like Aberdeen's Unions Terrace Gardens development.