this conceptual nature observation deck is designed like a moose head

Architectural visualization

Standing tall in the forest with its colossal built, wooden frame, and public art-like architecture shaped like a moose head marks the visualization of Sri Lankan-based designer Thilina Liyanage for his recent work ‘Alaska Moose Observation Deck.’ At a first glance, it may invoke the memory of Greek’s Trojan Horse, but Liyanage’s concept strays from adopting such an influence as he nods to the subspecies of moose that populates Alaska and Western Yukon. Setting one’s eyes on his architectural design – one that deviates from being a concrete design – Liyanage conceives an observation deck to witness the grandeur of nature and vista from above, adopts the Alaska Moose as his foundation, places his structure in the heart of greenery, and marries guests with the exploration of the earthspace.

images by Thilina Liyanage

Letting the light spill

Air trespasses the built of the observation deck as Liyanage crafts the design with open spaces in mind, letting nature’s scent and natural light spill into the interior in the morning and the night’s graze through the cool wind and gleaming stars in the sky. Bulb-shaped string lights dangle over the wooden hooks that surround the deck to give warm light to the guests visiting for the night, and the raised platform before stepping inside the deck prevents wet shoes and socks in case a flood comes in. Circular openings clothe the wooden roofs of the deck to let the light from the outside stream inside during the day and let the guests stargaze in the evening. The sheer grace of nature amplifies the magic of the present, the sole feeling of being inside the deck, cocooning self in the nook of nature and raw materials, indulging guests in the rhythmic flow of euphoria.

this conceptual nature observation deck is designed like a moose’s head

Kingly design

A kingly design rises as the hallmark of the upper deck through the tipped wings of the barriers that shield the guests from falling off the architecture. The double enclosures guarantee safety to anyone who sets foot on the deck and enjoys the landscape or the sun dipping in the late afternoon as the moon rises. Vertical wood pillars stand in unison as they bend and curve around the upper space. Even from an aerial perspective, the intuition of Liyanage to apply the moose’s antlers buzzes as the design morphs into such a form. More than an art installation, the Alaska Moose Observation Deck, albeit still a concept, spoils its guests with the gift of a designer’s creativity, nature’s unshackled grace, the pursuit of employing raw materials, and the communion of self with the environment.

top deck