Lake|Flato Architects and Matsys Design built sculptural concrete pavilions and an education centre to understand different ecotypes of the South Texas region and the function of the San Antonio River watershed, as well as providing a dynamic park for various types of activities. 

Named Confluence Park, the 900-ft2 area is composed of the main BHP Pavilion and the multi-purpose Estella Avery Education Center, which can work like "a living laboratory" that allows visitors to understand the region's local climate. 

The park is located at the confluence of the San Antonio River and San Pedro Creek, the idea of confluence is ingrained in every aspect— from big gestures like the landform of the park. Throughout the park, visitors learn through observation, engagement and active participation by doing their activities underneath those sculptural shells.

"The buildings represents the convergence of ecotypes in the South Texas region, to the pavilion "petals" imitating the form of plants that are structured to funnel dew and rainwater to their roots, down to the scale of the paver patterns reminiscent of the flow and confluence of waterways," said Lake|Flato Architects.

The BHP Pavilion is built from concrete petals which are designed thoughtfully to sit lightly upon the land, the main pavilion creates a particular geometry that collects and funnels rainwater into a sitewide water catchment system.

"The pavilions throughout the park provide shade and shelter, simultaneously engaging visitors to visualize the cycle of water at Confluence Park and how it relates directly to the San Antonio Rivershed," added the studio.

The multi-purpose Estella Avery Education Center features a green roof that provides thermal mass for passive heating and cooling, serves as a classroom space that opens to the pavilion. 

Rainwater collected through the site-wide water catchment system serves as the primary source of water throughout the park, and the entire site is powered by a photovoltaic array providing 100% of on-site energy on a yearly basis.

Lake|Flato Architects and Matsys Design worked closely with a landscape firm Rialto Studio on the project.

All images © Casey Dunn

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