Cedar Hill Loop: A Movable Pavilion Enhancing Central Park's Charm

Preserving the Past, Creating the Future

The Cedar Hill Loop, designed by Jianshi Wu and Yitan Sun, is a groundbreaking architectural marvel that brings a new dimension to Central Park. This movable pavilion is designed to seamlessly integrate with the park's natural terrain, providing a versatile space for a wide range of activities.

Unlike traditional pavilions that are placed on open lawns, the Cedar Hill Loop is an underground circular structure that follows the existing terrain of the 30-feet tall Cedar Hill. This innovative design allows the pavilion to elevate and rotate itself, creating dynamic spaces that can adapt to different scales of events.

The unique strength of the Cedar Hill Loop lies in its ability to blend with the natural environment while offering a multitude of possibilities. By integrating the terrain into the architecture, the pavilion becomes an organic extension of the park, enhancing the visitor experience and preserving the charm of Central Park.

Powered by four industry-standard mast lifts and a circular rail, the Cedar Hill Loop can elevate and rotate itself, revealing spaces suitable for various activities. Whether it's a small gathering, a performance, or a community event, the pavilion can adapt to the needs of the moment. The sloped terrain of Cedar Hill provides the perfect backdrop for this innovative structure, allowing it to seamlessly integrate into the park's landscape.

When not in use, the Cedar Hill Loop can be hidden beneath the ground, with only subtle indications of its presence. Alternatively, it can be slightly raised to become a large circular bench, providing a gathering place for people to enjoy the park's ambiance. At night, the pavilion emits a soft glow, illuminating the surrounding lawn and creating a magical atmosphere.

The realization of the Cedar Hill Loop involves the use of cutting-edge technology and materials. The structure features a casting concrete base supporting industrial-standard vertical mast lifts on a circular rail. Pre-fabricated glass panels, aluminum frames, and a customized wood ceiling are installed on-site, following the existing sloped terrain.

The Cedar Hill Loop boasts impressive specifications, with an outer diameter of 25 meters and an inner diameter of 20 meters. The highest point reaches 8 meters, while the lowest point measures 4 meters. The floor area spans 176 square meters, providing ample space for various activities. The mast lifts have a capacity of 12,000 lbs each, totaling 48,000 lbs, and the entire structure weighs 13,000 kg. With a loading capacity of 70 people, the Cedar Hill Loop can accommodate a significant number of visitors.

The design of the Cedar Hill Loop was not without its challenges. The architects had to find a delicate balance between creating a functional space and respecting the natural environment of Central Park. The pavilion needed to provide new possibilities while preserving the familiar experiences that visitors love about the park.

The Cedar Hill Loop has garnered recognition for its innovative design. In 2016, it was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Architecture, Building, and Structure Design category. This prestigious accolade celebrates designs that exhibit strong technical and creative skills, contributing to improvements in quality of life.

The Cedar Hill Loop is a testament to the power of design to enhance public spaces and create unique experiences. By seamlessly integrating with the natural environment, this movable pavilion adds a new layer of versatility and charm to Central Park, ensuring that it remains a beloved gathering place for generations to come.