Exploring The Nature of Grace Farms with SANAA-Designed 'Rivers'

SANAA with its 'River' design, tries to get people who are at Grace Farms to get closer to nature and move together. Through the experience of feeling nature, other activities such as art, spiritual cultivation, exercise, and fostering community, will be easier to develop. This goal is also in line with the expectations of the Grace Farms Foundation as the manager of 80 hectares of land in New Canaan, Connecticut, United States.

Grace Farms multipurpose building by SANAA.

The foundation itself does want Grace Farms as a suitable place for those who are interested in culture and want to know more about it through open space, architecture, art, and design. Thus, everyone can have the opportunity to achieve these goals. Grace Farms also has several facilities and programs for the public. From coffee and the services, discussions, intimate concerts, family-friendly art and athletic classes, to a series of multi-disciplinary cultural projects and events resulting from a curation.

Grace Farms multipurpose building by SANAA.

Grace Farms multipurpose building by SANAA.

All of this was then translated by SANAA into a 'River', an architectural object that does not try to be present prominently or as it is as a building. However, the 'River' architecture designed by SANAA wants to be more integrated with the surrounding environment. So that everyone who is in it can enjoy the beautiful natural scenery and the changing seasons. SANAA's efforts also received support from OLIN, which designed the Grace Farms landscape to remain sustainable and comfortable for the local flora and fauna. So that the SANAA-designed 'River', which includes, community spaces, athletic fields, playgrounds, and trails, can flow harmoniously on the hilly Grace Farms grounds.

Grace Farms multipurpose building by SANAA.

Grace Farms multipurpose building by SANAA.

Structurally, this single long roof building utilizes materials such as glass, concrete, steel, and wood, which makes it appear smoothly treading the ground level. People also became increasingly interested in this building because its paths helped the transition between the courtyard and the inner space not suddenly. Moreover, the mass of buildings made of glass also expands people's perspectives.

Grace Farms multipurpose building by SANAA.

Grace Farms multipurpose building by SANAA.

Grace Farms multipurpose building by SANAA.