Lincoln Park Zoo South Pond Transformation and Education Pavilion

12-bay, 14- by 10-m (46- by 33-ft), pavilion addition to an existing outdoor living pond, serving as a community gathering place and educational location for schoolchildren. The innovative tortoise shell-inspired structure pushes the limits of wood design, with each built-up curving wood element bent in three directions. MKA’s effort included intensive structural analysis, verification of feasibility through physical mockups, and close collaboration with fabricators. The one-of-a-kind structure met the architect’s vision for the pavilion as “fine furniture.”