Challenging the necessity for an oppositional relationship between active, dominant object and passive, recessive landscape, the Embedded Extension Library at the MacDowell Colony revitalizes historic, classical built form with contemporary, activating landform. Releasing the potency latent in the larger landforms surrounding it, small domesticated gardens adjacent to the existing building are removed and replaced with a continuously integrated experience. The field between main building of Colony Hall and Savidge Library is energized by the subtle contouring of the ground plane generating movement between the two anchors of the Colony’s communal life.
Arising from the meadow at the heart of the colony, the new wing reaches back, uncovering the majesty of the previously hidden pine grove. Inverting, it returns to gently merge with the roof of the existing library. In an analogous but reversed encounter, circulation actively engages the body encouraging movement between the landforms and communicating with their calm presence. A gentle ramp parallels the slope of the site at the rear of the building, slowly opening the research room to the sublime wonder of the densely gridded pine grove. Continuing downward, the slope is reversed, releasing the viewing lounge to a contemplative eye level view of the meadow. Glancing back from this lounge, the pine grove reemerges as a haunting presence. Planted to heal the forest after a devastating hurricane, it resonates with the goal of the colony, initiated to protect the privacy needed for the work of young artists in America.
