Pavilion of the sliding doors
It all began with an open letter to the local town council, which caused a small stir in the village of Nuglar–St. Pantaleon in Switzerland. Young people, full of energy and ideas, were looking for a shelter where they could meet and gather. They had already assembled in various places around the village, but each time it led to friction with other residents, who often found them too loud.
Together with the young authors of this letter, the community formed a task group. They developed a concept focused on integration into the landscape and ecology, as well as on simplicity and accessibility. A collaborative process — through numerous meetings and workshops involving villagers and many local stakeholders — gave rise to the vision of a small, weather-protected pavilion just outside the village.
With the help of architects, the idea took shape: a light wooden frame floating above the meadow, with sliding panels to protect against wind and weather. With no insulation or electricity, a sheltered space was created that can be used in a variety of ways.
The movable elements allow for countless spatial configurations — whether as a cosy lounge, a concert stage, or a semi-open mini-theatre. The translucent glazing filters the light and casts changing patterns on the floor and walls throughout the day. Moving the panels opens and closes the space, creating possibilities for everyone to use. Here, one can retreat, celebrate, make music, or simply relax.
Beyond design and planning, creativity was also required to raise funds. Although some budget was available, it was nowhere near enough to realise the pavilion. Seeking potential supporters became an additional task for the architects. The story of the young people’s initiative opened doors with many businesses and suppliers.
Some donated used trapezoidal metal sheets or curtains; others provided discounted polycarbonate panels or paint buckets with brushes and rollers. Contractors contributed much of their work voluntarily. In addition, the young people themselves — and other villagers — joined forces to help with construction. In various workshops, they painted the wooden elements and built stools, assembled without glue or screws.
The pavilion was constructed with the smallest possible ecological footprint. The wood was sourced from the surrounding forests; sheet metal and curtains were given a second life here; and the screwed foundations can simply be unscrewed and reused, leaving the meadow undamaged. One day, the structure could disappear from the landscape without leaving a trace, yet it has already made a lasting impact on the community.
The pavilion is a vivid symbol of participatory and collective creation. It has enriched both the architects’ work and village life in Nuglar–St. Pantaleon. And it stands as a lasting reminder of the moment when a group of young people came together, a few years ago, to express their needs in an open letter.
