Monika Berstis

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The site of this rental space offers a unique panoramic view of downtown Austin. Historically, this central yet little-trafficked area has been a quiet destination for neighborhood strolls. This scheme preserves the pristine quality of the site. When the rental space is vacant it remains a passive landscape feature, a vantage point for those who may occupy the site as a deserted stage overlooking the city. The building’s sleek volume stretches out of the rugged landscape just before the crest of the hill, orienting the visitor. This introductory volume marks the presence of a large rental hall a half story below. It conceals the city view along the ascent of the hill, then reveals it around a sharp turn. Here the planted roof of the ballroom offers a panorama of downtown the lake. Indoors, an angled wall leads down to the main space, reorienting visitors to the earthy ballroom space below. The main room opens onto a long outdoor patio and offers glimpses of the cityscape through the trees.

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  UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN, 2005
  critic: Ernesto Cragnolino
  rental/event space
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