Nature Camp | under supervision of Tom Jacobs
Lisle Nature Camp | at Morton Arboretum | under supervision of Tom Jacobs
Leave the noise behind. Lisle disappears as Sterling Pond’s immersive environment takes precedent over the manufactured Lake Marmo. Sounds of Chickadee, Woodpecker, and rushing water overpower those of suburban life, causing a sensory shift within those who move into the environment.The small valley between the two bodies of water serves as a threshold between the public, better explored area of the park and the lesser known, under-utilized prairie portion. Differing degrees of vegetation, from underbrush to saplings to a sprinking of mature trees, create varying levels of visibilty for those who move through the area.Ultimately, this site serves as a threshold between a more manicured nature environment and a more wild one - encouraging a shift in scale via the introduction of elements that encourage disorientation.
Threshold Experiences
View along uppermost treewalk level
Morton Arboretum site plan with building situated between Sterling Pond and Lake Marmo
Building as a threshold between the rich experience of the arboretum and the typical experiences of suburban Lisle
Diagram of the convergence of water and suburban paths at the ground plane with ascent into the trees occuring at their intersection
Aerial plan of building
Axes as formal and programmatic generators
Deformed bar
Deformed grid
Aerial view of model from the north east
Longitudinal N/S section with main camp building to the south and satellite library, classroom, and reception structures to the north
View of model from the west
Illustration of overhead truss enclosing an elevated outdoor classroom space