[University of Kansas Architecture Designbuild - Prairie Park Pavilion - COVER IMG] Prairie Park Pavilion was built almost entirely with repurposed materials and provides an outdoor amenity for the Prairie Park Nature Center. Credit: Keith Van de Riet
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Prairie Park Pavilion

Firm LocationLawrence, United States
CompanyUniversity of Kansas Architecture Designbuild
University/SchoolUniversity of Kansas
Lead ArchitectKeith Van de Riet (studio instructor)
Design TeamWynn Bowden, Paige Butterfield, Naalkh DeAsis, Ashley Decker, Emily Dulle, Matthew Garrett, Emma Hamer, Sara Miranda Luzio, Christopher Monarres, Sarah Montes, Madison Simons, Alayna Thomas, Melia Whitney; Evergy Energy, Suzan Hampton, KBS Constructors Inc, McClure Engineering, AZZ Galvanizing, P1 Construction
ClientPrairie Park Nature Center / Lawrence Department of Parks, Recreation, and Culture
Projecthttps://lawrencekstimes.com/2024/02/02/open-house-prairie-park-human-nature/

Third-year architecture students designed and built a nature pavilion inspired by prairie patterns and native plants. Using recycled utility poles and sandblasted aluminum street signs for shade, the structure integrates with a nearby wooded area and adjacent prairie landscape. The structural design echoes tree branching, with timber columns that bifurcate into beams supporting a vaulted canopy. Beneath, repurposed limestone benches provide seating for events of up to 100 people set within the context of a native Kansas prairie landscape and the Prairie Park Nature Center.