Umbrella Pavilion in Fribourg by Charly Jolliet Architecte

The Umbrella Pavilion, designed by Charly Jolliet Architecte, is a striking architectural intervention within the Fribourg Botanical Garden in Switzerland. Officially opened in April 2023, the pavilion marks the beginning of a new garden sector titled “Trees from the past, trees for the future”, reinforcing the garden’s mission of education, ecology, and sustainability.

A Contemporary Pavilion Inspired by Nature

Measuring 43 m², the Umbrella Pavilion is a compact yet impactful structure that seamlessly blends architecture, ecology, and landscape design. Its unique umbrella-like form rests on three larch trunks that had to be cut down on-site due to disease. Instead of discarding them, the architect transformed the trees into integral structural elements of the pavilion, symbolizing continuity between the past and the future of the botanical landscape.

The pavilion’s triangular geometry mirrors the original placement of the trees, giving the design a contextual sensitivity that respects the site’s memory.

Materiality and Sustainable Design

The pavilion is clad in traditional wood yet articulated with contemporary volumetric language, creating a balance between heritage and innovation. The remaining larch trunks were repurposed as flooring and benches, ensuring zero waste and a circular approach to construction.

This design choice not only honors the history of the trees but also reinforces sustainable architecture principles, where natural resources are reused to their fullest potential.

Function and Public Engagement

The Umbrella Pavilion serves as both an event space and an educational hub. It hosts workshops, cultural programs, and nature-based activities, encouraging visitors to engage with ecological knowledge and sustainable living practices.

Visitors enter the pavilion through long swinging ramps that create a playful and immersive journey. These pathways guide guests on a loop through future plantations, into the pavilion, and back to the garden, reinforcing a sense of exploration and connection with nature.

A Space of Memory, Learning, and Future Vision

By integrating cut larches from the site, the Umbrella Pavilion not only preserves the spirit of the forest but also transforms a loss into an opportunity for renewal. The design reflects architectural resilience, ecological mindfulness, and educational purpose—a perfect fit for a botanical garden that celebrates biodiversity and cultural heritage.

The pavilion is more than just a shelter; it is a symbolic architectural landmark that bridges past ecosystems, present communities, and future generations.

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