Boston’s Fenway area was recently converted into a natural “stage” for various art happenings that celebrate its designation as Boston's first state-wide Cultural District. Designed by Perkins+Will, the ENfold Pavilion is made from translucent ribbon that zigzags across the park. The fabric is held in place by an invisible network of steel cables and creates an undulating structure that acts as a playful and sophisticated backdrop for experiencing art - and best of all, at the end of its life the pavilion will be repurposed to provide garden bed liners for the city of Boston.

The Pavilion is supported by large maple and oak trees, and it provides an imaginative frame for various musical and art performances (including a Brazilian drumming band, a tai chi exhibition, etc.). Not only does it divide space into small intimate venues, Enfold has an important role in preserving the natural environment of the Park. The site analysis, including calculations of wind direction and speed, provided data for selecting optimal attachment points in the Park’s topography. This enabled the treatment of the ribbon as a fastening system that protects tree bark and delicate plants.

The Pavilion is a key component of a youth arts program at the Fenway Alliance’s Opening Our Doors 2012 celebration (Boston’s 11th annual celebration of free arts and cultural events). Sections of the installation hosted large-scale nature-inspired artwork designed by children and art educators. The garden bed-liner fabric used for the creation of Enfold will be donated to the Boston Parks Department at the end of the manifestation, at the end of October.

+ Perkins+Will

+ The Fenway Alliance Group