The Ruth Lily Visitors Pavilion Meshes Art, Architecture and Nature

Situated in the lush forests of the 100 Acres Art &amp; Nature Park at the Indianapolis Museum of Art, the Ruth Lily Visitors <a href="http://inhabitat.com/ephemeral-all-souls-day-pillow-pavilion-puffs-up-using-bbq-smoke/" target="_blank">Pavilion</a> meshes architecture, nature and art. The open and airy structure gently touches the surrounding landscape, allowing light to filter into the interior and the exterior deck. Designed by <a href="http://www.marlonblackwell.com/work_public_indianapolis-museum-of-art-visitors-pavilion.html" target="_blank">Marlon Blackwell</a>, the pavilion also features water-efficient systems, harnesses <a href="http://inhabitat.com/iceland-may-tap-liquid-magma-as-new-geothermal-energy-source/">geothermal energy</a>, and is targeting LEED certification.

Ipe hardwood <a href="http://inhabitat.com/lumber-made-from-newspaper-looks-like-real-wood/" target="_blank">planks</a> form a large walkway, a deck, a wall, and a slatted-light filtering sunshade that covers the deck, all of which are supported by a steel frame.

The interior meeting rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows that allow light and nature to flush the inside. The center of the <a href="http://inhabitat.com/lacy-inflatable-mobile-pavilion-pops-up-like-a-circus-tent-for-mobilizarte-in-brazil/" target="_blank">pavilion</a> hosts a more private room, with wooden walls and windows lining the top.

The Visitors Pavilion is outfitted with water-saving fixtures, as the plumbing is fed by well water. Heating and cooling within the facility is controlled using a sustainable <a href="http://inhabitat.com/ge-announces-largest-debt-financing-this-year-for-a-thermal-power-plant-in-the-us/" target="_blank">geothermal system</a>. Being completely in tune with the natural environment, the entire <a href="http://inhabitat.com/edge-condition-scrap-wood-pavilion-is-a-dizzying-jenga-like-sculpture/" target="_blank">pavilion</a> is also situated in a way that allows floodwaters to flow around and under the structure without causing architectural damage.

The unobtrusive pavilion will be used for small meetings and educational classes of up to 50 people. The open-air design, green features and glass façade will inspire its visitors to reconnect with the nature around them. The <a href="http://inhabitat.com/beautiful-times-eureka-pavilion-mimics-the-cellular-structure-of-plants/" target="_blank">pavilion</a> will also be energy-efficient and <a href="http://inhabitat.com/kenmore-senior-apartments/" target="_blank">LEED certified</a>.