Estar,

 

 

 

Rotunda is an elemental garden, based on an atmospheric and poetic perception of materials, light, plants, and the passing of time. Conceived as a device capturing the beauty of nature, the intention is to transform the surrounding landscape into the garden itself by capturing what lies outside its boundaries. Water is used as a raw material to create a reflective surface. The container is simply a frame that suspends the water above the ground: a homogeneous black object, minimizing the expression of assembly joints and contact with the ground. The garden was filled with water once and left to evolve over time, becoming a climate-registering device that accumulates leaves, dust, and pollen. It is inhabited by birds and insects, leading to the cultivation and growth of new life. It is sensitive to changing light conditions, fluctuations in temperature and humidity, rainfall, and evaporation, allowing visitors to reflect on the passing of time and the experiential qualities of the place.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Credits:

International Design Competition: First prize

Project title: Rotunda
Location: Grand-Métis, Quebec, Canada
Client: Reford Gardens – Les Jardins de Métis
Architect: Estar, Aurora Armental Ruiz & Stefano Ciurlo Walker
Competition images: Carlos Comendador
Fabrication: Patrique Côté, Reford Gardens
Competition: 2013
Design and construction: 2014