Wooden Observation Platform
- Words
- Sarah Press
Designed by Latvian studios Didzis Jaunzems and Laura Laudere in collaboration with Jaunromans un Abele, the wooden observation platform and pavilion are located in the Garden of Destiny, a park designed to celebrate the country’s 100th birthday in 2018 and to pay tribute to all the lost from the last century.
Almost entirely built from larch, the structure appears in the heart of a memorial park in Koknese, Latvia and offers an amazing view across the River Daugava. Each plank was milled to create fine ridges, intended to prevent visitors slipping when the floor is wet. The wood was also glazed at the front of the pavilion to offer shelter from strong winds and rainfall. By using the natural incline, the architects could build a pavilion that is partially buried beneath the ground. The sloping roof provides an elevated deck so visitors can walk over to enjoy the landscape, while the surrounding terrace merges into a balcony across the water.
All images © Maria Lapins
