REFUGE

P A U S E L A N D S C A P E

Belgium, Viaduct of Moresnet, 2014.

Pause Landscape is the design of a refuge where a group of six musicians can concentrate on creating music together. The refuge consists of two building volumes. The upper volume is adjusted between the trusses that carries the bridgedeck on which the trains operate. This volume is placed parallel to the motion on the railway track. Underneath a second volume is mounted, perpendicular to the movement of the tracks, thereby obtaining a static character.

The visitor enters the refuge through the top volume using the current footbridge which runs below the deck. The kitchen, a dining bar and a bathroom are housed here. Through a spiral staircase, the visitor can enter the lower volume. The music room, a resting area and sleeping facilities are located here. On top of the lower volume is an outside deck on which one is surrendered to the elements of nature such as wind, rain and noise.

The most important part of the design is the routing through the refuge. In fact, the route is accompanied by a wooden wall throughout. The element starts as a freestanding wall in the upper volume. Inside this thin-walled uninsulated and rusted steel volume one experiences the sound and vibration caused by the train. The dynamism of everyday life is largely present and the motion is truly experienced. The wall ends in the music room at the lower volume. This thick-walled and solid timber element is suspended by means of steel cables. The mass of the solid volume ensures that the sound from the outside is blocked. The result is a warm interior with ideal acoustics for creating music. This timber volume carries a glass box, which is clamped in between the walls. The musician will experience detachment of gravity, an optimal decoupling of everyday life.