Ensamble Studio

Ensamble Studio, an architect studio, persisted in finding a balance between architecture, art, local fauna, and the ranching activity in the area.

The architects behind Ensamble Studio resorted to natural elements to shape the site-specific ¹ architecture in alignment with nature ². They worked with the existing material at the art center, from rocks to earth. And they researched natural soil-forming processes to sculpture structures from the landscapes.

Structures of Landscape

Ensamble’s structures not only reflect natural matter but also upgrade it to art using engineering processes that take into account all uncertainties. Designed installations got combined with the wilderness form to keep nature memories while bringing new meaning and expressions. Ensamble initially planned to create four sculptures, but then stuck to three: Beartooth portal, Domo, and Inverted portal.

The Structures of Landscape embody their name and origins as they transform matter into useful space. And they unfold a new pattern of installations among the hills, plateaus, ridges, and canyons of extreme beauty engulfing the Tipper Rise lands.

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Location: Tippet Rise Art Center

Bordering Yellowpark in Montana, Tippet Rise Art Center, is a new home for artists’ works. The center extends to eleven thousand acres in the vast lands of Montana and hosts large outdoor sculptures ³ and music performances.

96 S Grove Creek Rd, Fishtail, MT 59028, United States
+1 406-328-7820

Analysis

Turning a vast empty land into a spectacle with minimalist aesthetics is not a walk in the park. However, Ensamble achieved creating a place where anyone can unwind in but not tamper with while connecting to the environment. The artworks bring out the Art Center’s values and characteristics as they embody its magic, roughness, loneliness, uniqueness, and beauty. Involved architects find themselves in a conflicting state as artists and landscapers while still achieving their role.

Structure of Landscape has a unique message from Ensamble. They intended to show how land can be useful, aside from putting in real estate investments. Rather than bending to the will and greed of real estate, varying uses can serve more people across the board.

Conclusion

Despite land scarcity, people will continue moving to cities. But according to Ensamble, the scarcity should not be a reason to focus on real estate and forget other human aesthetics. Another aim of the project was to create an expansive space that can enhance public circulation. And create a room where the city can host more people.

Meanwhile, Structure of Landscapes also reflects human beings’ desires and realities. Meaning, people associate nature and art with quality of life while the city is something they must contend with despite its ills. As per Ensamble, people would choose nature over the city, yet any attempt to counter the current balance will lead to mayhem.

Beartooth

Domo

Inverted Portal

Construction photos

Model studies