Inhabitat


Evolver: Spiraling Viewing Structure In the Alps

by Bridgette Meinhold, 09/21/09

wooden structure, zermatt, switzerland, matterhorn, viewing structure, spiraling structure

Evolver is an elegantly spiraling viewing structure constructed completely from wood that is located next to a clear alpine lake near Zermatt, Switzerland. Designed and built by second year students of the ALICE studio at Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, this alpine structure provide a more interactive way to take in the views of the glorious mountains – especially the Matterhorn.

wooden structure, zermatt, switzerland, matterhorn, viewing structure, spiraling structure

Spiraling a total of 720 degrees around, the Evolver takes visitors through a series of arches that wind up around and down, offering a stunning view of the surrounding scenery. As you walk inside the wooden structure the panorama evolves, rises and falls, opening up new views with each step. In total, 24 round wooden frames make up the bones of Evolver, while wooden slats add structure and support.

Located next to the Lake Stelli at 2536 m (8,320 ft), Evolver serves as both a destination, an activity. and a pavilion for visitors to the Zermatt area looking to take in nature. It is beautifully constructed – a simple building made from a single material. The limited views offered by the structure are not meant to detract from the scenery, but instead help the viewer focus their attention on distinct areas.

+ ALICE Studios

Via Dezeen

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7 Responses to “Evolver: Spiraling Viewing Structure In the Alps”

Shropshire Architect

I love the open visual quality of this structure.

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Selinah Says:

Sorry but that is a rather ugly structure to
mar such serene natural surroundings – how about
just standing outdoors to take in the unmatched 360
degree view! Sad!

davidwayneosedach

Zermatt in summer is one of my most favorite vacation destinations. I can’t wait to try out this new structure! They should go to Saas Fee next!

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I agree. What can be more beautiful than nature itself?

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Joel Linn Says:

SPIRAL of goodness & wooden DESIGN complexity! This CREATION makes you want to hang out — and IN.

From Page: “Evolver is an architectural artefact intervening on the panorama surrounding Zermatt. It was designed and executed by a team of 2nd year students from the ALICE Studio at Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Switzerland. In an effort to take full advantage of the site’s extensive and astounding views, the project sits strategically next to the lake Stelli at an altitude of 2,536 m (8,320 feet).

Evolver’s structure mainly consists of a succession of 24 rotating frames supporting an enclosed space that visitors are encouraged to enter. As he or she progresses through the space, a concealed but uninterrupted 720° movement is unraveling along a transformed panorama.

This transformation occurs while inside a person is moving along a selective string of openings only to be caught peeling off a sequence of unexpected views from the original landscape.

Wobbling below and above a distant horizon, ground and sky have been reorchestrated into an orbiting panorama by a journey that has already culminated to where it started: A loophole on the skyline.”

 

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