Hero’s Origin (2021)
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: In 2021 in the aftermath of Covid, Arch335 returned to Camp Alabama and it was determined that with the addition of all the new property at camp, we needed a new grand entrance into camp on Hwy 821, an entrance that will eventually be the primary entry in to Camp Alabama. This marked the second project on the recently added property to Camp Alabama. As our master plan for Camp Alabama continues to be realized this project will be every campers first impression of camp, and it is a grand one. The gate and pilons on the highway are lighted at night shining the Camp Alabama logo to passers by and the portal gates set further in give camp a “Jurrasic Park” type of entry. If that was not enough, at the same entrance stands a 60-foot tall spiraling tower with the Camp Alabama logo at the top. This tower can be spotted a half mile away from camp creating excitement in our campers on check-in days.
Tech Professor Brad Deal: This project marked our first two quarter schedule and a cautious return after the COVID shutdown. It came with big successes and major setbacks. After two months designing a barn renovation, a severe ice storm hit in February, collapsing the barn and adding weeks of redesign, demolition, and material recovery to our timeline. In the end, the project and the class were stronger because of it. This year included the tallest of the three towers built at camp at 75 feet high, but it almost didn’t happen. About a week before completion, the tower was severely damaged in transport. We debated letting it go, but the team rallied and rebuilt the top third in only a few days, making the final crane installation a moment to remember.
Program Summary: A new entry court, including a tower, gate and portal, constructed with reclaimed materials at a summer camp for children with special needs.
Program Statement: From first impressions, to deep experiences, memories of the timeless American tradition of sleep-away summer camp are powerful. Our design task was to spark those experiences of anticipation, arrival, and transition into the carefree world of summer fun for children with chronic Illnesses and disabilities. As the first step in a new master plan, this new entrance relocates camper check-in from a heavily trafficked highway to a quiet country road, allowing for a safer, more deliberate approach. Upon arrival, three separate entry elements were designed, based loosely on moments in Joseph Campbell’s Hero’s Journey: The Call To Adventure; The Threshold and finally, Revelation. As one crests the rolling hills, a monumental tower peeks out of the landscape, serving as the call to adventure, building anticipation. Upon arrival, stoic pylons flanked by mature pecan trees create a threshold, signifying one’s formal arrival to camp. Passing through the threshold, excitement grows as heavy gabion walls visually anchor a striking red frame surrounding towering wood doors. At check-in time, the massive doors open ceremoniously, revealing the pathway to summer camp fun. For the children that attend this facility, many with severe health issues, their experience here is exceptionally transformative, often creating rare moments of independence, freedom and belonging. We celebrate those important moments through this humble yet mighty gateway to adventure: The Hero’s Origin.
Project Team:
Professors: Robert Brooks, Brad Deal
Students: Ana Barrera, Anna Cavaretta, Ashleigh Ogden, Ashley White, Ben Hall, Brad Gregg, Curtis Gremillion, Emery Johnson, Hanna Sims, Jacob Forst, Kevin Kirkland, Jenna Roblee Jonathan Ferguson, Keenan Parker, Kyle Sieberth, Madison Waldron, Megan Povirk, Michael Mitchell, Molly Spencer, Nahille Vargas, Nia Carlton, Skyla Rae Lewis, Stephanie Jimenez, Tanner Talmadge, William Higginbotham, Yuan Zhou
Recognition: 2021 AIA Louisiana Honorable Mention
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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.
