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Knot Watching Tower

The Knot watching tower is designed to create an active observation journey, where the program of the tower drives its form. The facade of the tower with its unlimited openness is a choreographed threshold between the enclosure and the outdoors. Inside, a single helix-two bay split ramp, is designed which compacts, the large sum of enclosure surface area of the tower. It is also creating an engaging boardwalk with several moments of surprise, for the visitors. The proposed ramp formation provides an opportunity to incorporate nature within the tower, by creating a central void acting as an intermediary space. The void is a projection of the park’s unique ecosystem captured within the tower. In addition, the central landings are designed adjacent to the void, for those who need a break while climbing the ramp.

The team goes further to emphasize the integration of the tower into the environment by connecting it to the park’s existing pathway. This tower, in fact, is the continuation of the accessible boardwalk on the Z-axis. The incorporation of wood and bracing structural systems allows for high efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the proposed design programming, which connects the structure to its sounding context. The minimum building enclosure and the ramp pathway system allow for the act of observation to be stretched through the climb, compared to creating designated observation points produced in a conventional stair and landing system. Observation becomes a choreographed journey with a panoramic view from the inside out. The upper louvred deck is designed with an emphasis on camouflaging, for the use of bird watchers and photographers in all weather conditions.