The Legendary
Highway 14 Tower

This structure is a brave proposal, a step in the right direction to restore our relationship with nature. It consists of a path that not only gradually lifts the visitors above the landscape but also connects them with the surrounding nature, by submerging them in the soil first and by making nature a part of the structure, referring to the historical dugout homes. In this proposal, nature comes first.

Beautiful fluid alternative solution to the ‘tower’ concept and integration of both earth and timber shingles to clad and contain the form. It would successfully integrate with its landscape.

A horizontal tower with good landscape integration and engaging movement through the surroundings. But is it changing or enhancing the existing landscape?

Powerful choice of a walkway instead of a tower. However the ending of the path seems incomplete in its design. Also the need to construct artificial hills underneath seems overdone. It needs a balancing in the design at the top of the path, with fewer hills, creating a more clear experience of being submerged in the landscape, then lifting the path above it.

The proposal demonstrates a certain level of sophistication and thoughtful design, where the sequence of touring events and the viewer's visual journey are orchestrated like a story, thereby creating a rich, immersive experience. Furthermore, this design effectively engages with the specific characteristics and dimensions of the site, enhancing the overall functionality and aesthetic appeal.

I like the more traditional tower look to this design. I also like that this design has the ability to provide access to those not able to walk the stairs. However, I find all of the design elements on the walkway to be distracting.

The traditionalist architecture of the project is presented in the fullness of colors and creative variability of spatial forms.

Beautifully illustrated, verging on an Arts & Crafts solution, but I am less convinced by the detailing and longevity of the proposed materials.

Good idea of framing views, and a strong visual presence with the red wood. Smart to have a plan for supplementary elements.

The walkway in itself is beautiful, but needs simplification and balance in the amount of elements, when seen as a whole.

It consists of various, easily recognizable structures. They are stepping stones in the landscape that make both the history of the place and the natural landscape more appealing to explore for visitors of any kind. The structures are lightweight shelters, often lifted above the landscape to let nature be. I can very well imagine this project being realized step by step, growing in the landscape.

This proposal celebrates verticality from afar and within. The simple strong formal gesture is clearly identifiable, iconic, and truly legendary. A lighthouse beacon on the prairies will certainly draw people, but this strong move could be greatly enriched with more cultural and regional sensitivity to environment, habitat, and materiality.

Traditional tower elements and ADA accessibility. I like the lighting effects for nighttime use as visibility.

A strong elegant design with considered integration of routes across site. Unnecessarily tall, or toweringly iconic?

The project has very clear and good elements. It is a shame it appears 'too slick' in the understanding of the experience along the walkway design and the design of the top of the tower.

This design ingeniously captures some of the melancholic yet historically resonant aspects of the site and reinterprets them to define the essence of the viewing tower. This innovative approach allows for a fascinating interplay where the connection between visitors and the tower transforms continuously along with the variations in the surroundings, leading to ever-changing viewpoints and observational focal points that make for a captivating experience.

Archiving Decay poses the question: what will be left of the buildings we have built and are building now? More than a tower to explore the landscape, this structure is a museum for building culture, reuse of materials and the process of time. These aspects are well integrated in this design concept. The effect of nature on the building is within the decay. My question is, what does this building give back to this natural landscape with its presence?

The elementary shape of the building is based on traditional agricultural buildings. It fits into the surrounding landscape and is an interesting attraction for potential visitors. The fire looks great in the pictures, but I'd be a little scared of it in real life.

"Archiving Decay" may not draw visitors, but the analysis, documentation, and exhibition of material history will. The oddly missing elevator in a tower inspired by grain elevators is a missed opportunity to celebrate the mechanical workings of these historic structures.

An interesting design and I love the integrated fire pit as well as the large platforms for vendors and performers.

A thoughtful well-considered solution, though over-structured for its requirement perhaps.

This is an unusually practical structure that gives De Smet a unique destination for both people and birds. It enhances and reveals the local ecosystem while adding a cultural icon reminiscent of the historic agricultural structures of the region.

The architectural concept with the ramp is a moderate but strong solution. The ramp eliminates the need for an elevator and smoothly takes the visitor towards the most beautiful views.

A plus for the ramp as an interesting way to move, integrating birds nests and the recognizable shape.

A very clear scheme. If not for the unfortunate shape/aesthetics of the overall typology, this could have been a winning scheme in its components and balance of experiences, choices of elements.

This elegant structure is both humble and recognizable. The proposal checks all the boxes: it is referring to the historical building method, it is the perfect place to spot present fauna and it is simple in its structure: built with eco-friendly materials and easily dismountable.