Glenstone is a living example of art and nature coming together in harmony. The Four Rounds art installation seamlessly blends into the lush native forest along the museum’s eastern boundary. Strategically sited within a clearing to minimize impacts, the sleek Thomas Phifer- designed pavilion provides a perfect backdrop for Richard Serra´s monumental sculpture. Graceful pedestrian bridges and elevated boardwalks entice visitors on a choreographed journey through the wooded landscape to reach this modern-day sanctuary. The path meanders through dappled light and shadows, over a gurgling stream and along its verdant edge, before curving gently over a restored wetland. Mature oaks act as wayfinding sentinels, until finally, a change in materials signals arrival at the pavilion.
Great care was taken by the skilled interdisciplinary team to integrate this significant new structure and art experience into the existing forest context. Native plant selections complement the surrounding riparian, wetland and forest plant communities, enriching the sensory landscape and healing areas impacted by past development. The result is a seamless blend of architecture, art and nature – a place where it feels as if the forest has grown up around the pavilion, rather than the reverse.
