Imago Amphitheatre (2023)
Photos by Henry McCoy
(This is part of a series on the 11 projects designed and built by classes in the Louisiana Tech School of Design at MedCamps of Louisiana.)
MedCamps Executive Director Caleb Seney: Returning to our master plan, it was determined that development on the western side of camp should continue and that an amphitheater should be constructed to host opening camp ceremonies and closing camp ceremonies. The Arch335 students decided that a hidden cove on the lake was the perfect place for a serene and peaceful setting. Today, Imago is used on Sunday nights for smores in the massive fire pit over the water, and when the weather permits, it is used for talent shows and end-of-camp ceremonies. The placement of Imago required that a new bridge walkway be built across a marsh. The Imago is not visible from either highway that borders the camp and is a great escape from the rest of camp. The campers enjoy their time making smores and getting to know each other and their staff on Sunday evenings before our nighttime pool party kicks off.
Tech Professor Brad Deal: This was our most sculptural project, featuring 15 custom twisting triangular space frame trusses. They were designed in parametric software and fabricated by hand by the student team in our south campus metal shop. It was tedious and complex work, but we pulled it off somehow.
This was also the last project led by Robert and the last major step toward realizing his big master plan idea to complete the circuit of activities around the lake. An inspiring legacy to leave behind.
Program Summary: A new amphitheater and path network for a summer camp for children with special needs.
Program Statement: The design task was to create a gathering space for ceremonies, talent shows, and other events that mark the timeless tradition of summer camp. The project maximizes the views across the lake, while nestling into a wooded cove to avoid seeing and hearing the nearby highway. The nature of the users, coupled with the programmatic needs of the project, led to a concept centered around transformation. The bravery required for these campers to leave home for their first time away from parents, or the courage required to share their talents on stage is transformative, and invites them to grow into more capable versions of themselves. To celebrate these moments, we pursued an expressive roof that, as one approaches, seems to transform. Ultimately, it depicts its namesake: Imago, the stage when a butterfly emerges from its cocoon. The asymmetrical plan and radial seating prioritize simplicity and flexibility. A wall of firewood flanks the entry and fuels the firepit at the edge of the stage, and a lowered guardrail creates an ideal fishing spot. The playful steel roof structure is fabricated from reclaimed steel from the oil and gas industry. Nearly a mile of material was used to fabricate the twisting trusses that allow the form of the roof to transition from white to red. At night, the illuminated red roof radiates into camp, reminding campers of their time there, creating a unique beacon across the lake, and adding to the magic and memory of this special place.
Project Team:
Professors: Robert Brooks, Brad Deal
Students: Alfredo Avendano, Ashanti Bell, Jude Bell, Noah Berryhill, Anna Boothe, Zack Dicharry, Logan Jacobs, Alex Klocek, Asher Little, Amber McMillan, Kaylyn Murphy, Ashley Putman, Wanda Ryba, Christian Salazar, Joanna Vittitow, Emma Wyatt
Recognition: 2023 AIA Louisiana Honor Award & Member’s Choice Award
_________________________________
MedCamps programs are completely free of charge to all campers with special needs. If you would like to support future projects at MedCamps, events, sponsor a campers attendance financially or volunteer please visit www.medcamps.org or email info@medcamps.org for more information.
