The Meise Botanic Gardens, long known for their extensive collection of endangered plant species harboured on the periphery of Brussels, Belgium, have recently become home to the Green Ark project, comprising a wooden pavilion structure that hoists a series of functions under its hyperbolic paraboloid form. The innovative addition to the garden merges a fluid architectural design with ecological sensitivity—both for its setting and its own constituent elements—boasting a new standard for sustainable design in botanical conservatories. The pavilion, crafted from Kebony Clear Wood, symbolises a balanced commitment to environmental stewardship and educational outreach and is the focal point of the larger project.

Nestled within the garden's 92-hectare expanse, the Green Ark encompasses a newly renovated 7,600 square meters of greenhouse space and introduces a pavilion that integrates with its botanical surroundings by virtue of both its form and materiality. Designed by the Belgium-based architectural firms NU Architectuuratelier and Archipelago Architects, Green Ark emerges as an exemplification of the fusion of modern architecture and more naturally aligned aesthetics without necessarily giving in to the bearings of solely the aesthetics of biophilic architecture.

The pavilion too and its distinctive dome, with its hyperbolic paraboloid profile, exceeds its visual bearings, which draw from both Bernard Rudofsky’s tectonics and "vernacular poetry", according to the architects. It is a multi-functional and educational space, designed to enhance visitor interaction with the garden’s diverse plant species while also highlighting the critical issues of climate change and biodiversity loss. Its integration into the landscape—tucked away in a romantical park setting—creates a serene and contemplative atmosphere, inviting visitors to explore and learn, but also inspiring them to slow down and observe.

The decision to use Kebony Clear Wood to craft this pavilion stems from a need for sustainable yet visually appealing material. Developed in Norway, Kebony Wood is especially renowned for these properties and more. The dual modification process, which involves chemically and thermally treating FSC-certified softwoods, transforms them into a durable, aesthetically pleasing material that is comparable to tropical hardwoods. This innovative approach not only offers superior stability and longevity but also contributes to carbon sequestration, partly addressing one of the most pressing challenges of our time.

The pavilion’s roof, clad in Kebony Wood shingles, exhibits a fish-scale texture that enhances its visual fluidity and echoes the natural forms found within the garden. This textural detail serves both an aesthetic and practical function, allowing the pavilion to coalesce with its environment while providing a weather-resistant surface that contributes to the building's sustainability.

Inside, the Green Ark features a dramatic arched wooden structure supported by a concrete frame. The expansive, glazed ground floor allows for uninterrupted views into the surrounding greenhouses, creating seamless connections between the pavilion and the garden. The design thus celebrates the conglomerated beauty of the plant collection in the gardens, while also underscoring the pavilion’s primary function as an educational hub.

Away from but necessarily exclusive of its rather pronounced visual character, the building incorporates several innovative technologies aimed at reducing its ecological footprint. A rainwater recycling system captures and reuses precipitation from the pavilion’s roof and ensures efficient water management. Energy consumption within the new greenhouse facilities has successfully been halved compared to the previous structures, showing the project's commitment to a lighter carbon footprint. These features are furthermore integral to the Green Ark’s mission of conservation and education. By demonstrating practical applications of green technology, the pavilion serves as a striving example of sustainable design within a setting designed to enhance a natural environment. Visitors to the Green Ark therefore have dual opportunities of engaging with the architecture, including admiring its rustic but enduring appeal and gaining insights into the innovative solutions being employed to address climate change and protect endangered species.

Through its architectural and ecological significance and a programme outlined to pronounce that, the Green Ark can function as an educational centre within the Meise Botanic Gardens. It offers a range of interactive experiences designed to engage the public in the conservation efforts underway. Educational programmes, workshops and guided tours are integral to the pavilion’s mission, providing visitors with a deeper understanding of the challenges facing global biodiversity and the role of conservation in mitigating these threats. The pavilion’s design facilitates this educational role through its spatial organisation. The open, flexible interior of the pavilion can be adapted for various functions, including exhibitions and seminars. Its elevated terrace provides panoramic views over the garden, enriching the visitor experience and fostering a greater appreciation for the natural world.

The design language of the Green Ark is informed by its unique site within the Meise Botanic Garden. The pavilion’s placement and form were carefully considered to harmonise with the existing landscape, a reflection of the English landscape garden tradition. This approach ensures that the Green Ark also respects and complements its historical context. Approaching the Green Ark involves a journey through a grove of trees, culminating in the discovery of the pavilion nestled amid the greenhouses. This experience echoes the exploratory nature of botanical research, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the garden’s rich plant collection.

Describing the project’s spatial organisation, NU Architectuuratelier said, "The Green Ark is a scientific instrument. Its construction and operation are very clearly and rationally conceived. It has a logistical west side that connects to the backbone of the Botanical Garden. On the east side is the public side. The technical corridors and the Green Ark pavilion are arranged in such a way as to avoid conflicts between different flows of users; the view into the heart of the Green Ark or Seed Bank does not interfere with professional operation. The pavilion in the Green Ark is designed as a vantage point. From the path, a separate walk is designed to the Green Ark pavilion and the Seed Bank. We position an orangery between the pavilion and the Seed Bank allowing an internal connection between the two. The orangery is a large covered deployable space that opens out onto the boulevard between the Green Ark and the service building with the Seed Bank. Potentially, the orangery is also an event extension of the pavilion and can be used during the summer months."

By combining cutting-edge technology with a deep respect for the natural world, the Green Ark can potentially offer a broader model for future projects in botanical conservation and beyond. The pavilion's design—mechanised and naturally imagined at the same time—serves as a fine example of how innovative and sustainable design can be employed to create educational engagement and generate exploratory curiosity amongst visitors. Its use of Kebony wood, innovative environmental technologies and commitment to public education highlight the pivotal role architecture may come to play in addressing an iota of the global challenges thrust upon it.