A Stunning New Installation Emerges!

Prepare to be captivated by the Puddle Pavilion, a groundbreaking creation by the architecture studio i/thee. This striking free-form canopy, crafted entirely from algae-based bio-resin, is not only a visual feast but also a marvel of fluid dynamics.

Nature Meets Innovation

Nestled above Mud Creek in Bondurant, Iowa, this pavilion hovers gracefully on slender steel columns, presenting an arresting sight reminiscent of a river frozen in time. Instead of using traditional molds, the design team, led by Neal Lucas Hitch, embraced a revolutionary methodology called Action Architecture. Through this process, they poured, splattered, and flung resin directly onto the ground, allowing it to settle and take shape naturally, effectively capturing the elusive beauty of moving liquid.

A Pavilion with Purpose

The Puddle Pavilion is not just art; it’s part of a broader vision for the City of Bondurant. Following the completion of The Dining Room — a set of eroded rammed-earth walls set to debut in 2024 — this pavilion serves as a welcoming canopy at Eagle Park’s entrance to Mud Creek, inviting visitors to engage with the local ecology and spend more time in this tranquil setting.

Art That Transcends Space

In an impressive blend of art and architecture, the pavilion is defined by what the creators call Abstract Realism. This concept melds non-figurative art with real-world elements, eschewing standard representations. "Instead of creating a structure that merely resembles a puddle, we crafted an actual puddle, shaped by the forces of nature," Hitch explains.

An Immersive Experience Awaits

Visitors wandering beneath the resin canopy will find themselves bathed in dappled sunlight, with the translucent resin merging beautifully with the surrounding sky and clouds. The pavilion encapsulates a dance between human creativity and the natural environment, making it a must-see destination for art lovers and nature enthusiasts alike.

A Look Ahead

As Bondurant continues to embrace innovative art installations, the unveiling of The Garden in 2026 promises to further enrich this unique landscape. i/thee’s Puddle Pavilion has set a bold precedent, blending ecological awareness with artistic exploration, and redefining the relationship between human-made structures and nature.