WILL STEGER FOUNDATION / RAPSON TRAVELING FELLOWSHIP

A proposed Center for Global Climate Change for Arctic explorer Will Steger, this project was the winning entry to the national 2007 Ralph Rapson Fellowship Design Competition by way of a two-part jury process. Using stratification as a starting point, the project investigates how small pieces reveal themselves as part of a much larger entity. The proposed site strategy envisions a porous complex of spaces dwelling within an existing forested landscape. 

Embracing the ambiguous transparency of glass, the proposal’s materiality visually expresses the Arctic explorations behind the Foundation. Planar walls dividing the program blocks are composed of stacks of recycled glass sheets which both reflect their context and provide clear glimpses beyond when viewed perpendicularly, and punctured with framed openings that provide views out to the surrounding forest and lake. Above, light monitors reveal the overhead tree canopy and enable dappled canopy light to enter interior spaces.

Stillwater, Minnesota USA

Competition (First Prize)