The Brochstein Pavilion is created as a landmark destination for Rice University’s campus. The garden at the Brochstein Pavilion gives a powerful spatial framework that has transformed an unstructured, underutilized quadrangle into the center of student activity on campus.

Founded in 1912, the Rice University campus is noted for its eclectic Mediterranean architecture, mature southern Live Oaks and a classical campus plan that emphasizes long, formal axes. The university is located in Houston, Texas, United States just near the Houston Museum District and adjacent to the Texas Medical Center.

Inspired by the Tuileries Gardens in Paris, Houston architect Raymond Brochstein and his wife Susan provided a wonderful  donation that allowed the University to achieve this goal. The Brochstein Pavilion is capped by a steel and aluminum trellis structure which protects the building and extends in all directions to cover and shade the surrounding seating terrace. The trellis, consisting of an aluminum tubes, protects the building from the harsh Texas sun.

A series of wide double doors at the pavilion connect the interior seating areas with the surrounding terrace, opening the pavilion to the landscape and welcoming students and faculty. The landscape architect instead chose to address the interstitial space between the Fondren Library and the pavilion. A generous concrete walk connecting the library and the pavilion bisects into garden rooms whose perimeters are defined by plantings of African Iris.

Movable furniture and subtle site lighting allow impromptu gatherings of visitors to enjoy the oasis created by the dense shade and running water day or night. The university is spectacular and gives pleasure for every student to spent their school days in such an environmental Eco space.