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ARCHITECTURE IN THE GARDENS 1

In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks John Muir The natural beauty of our gardens has been enhanced by six structures that are perfectly suited to their surroundings Powell Gardens is the only public garden to feature more than three structures by the renowned architect E Fay Jones E Fay Jones is one of the best known disciples of Frank Lloyd Wright and carried on Wright s Prairie Style and principles of organic design Wright s influence is reflected through Jones application of the principles of organic architecture simplicity of construction use of native materials attention to crafted details and integration of the building design with the landscape site Jones was commissioned to design the public buildings at Powell Gardens so they would have a timeless quality using natural materials wide expanses of glass that bring the outside in and lines that allow each building to blend into its surroundings You can follow the map and experience the buildings in order or just keep this guide handy so when you find one during your explorations you can read its story Let the wandering begin 1 Gatehouse 2 Visitor s Center 3 Meadow Pavillion 4 Miller Hammond Chapel Study 5 Marjorie Powell Allen Chapel 6 Missouri Barn

1 Gatehouse Opened MAY 2002 Whatever the art of our intent however we shape the things we do whatever architectural language we speak it must somehow express something more than mere accommodation and its expression must transcend mere building mere construction mere technical achievement As you entered Powell Gardens you no doubt drove by maybe even slowed down at our gatehouse It fits neatly E Fay Jones into the narrow opening in the woods to lead you into the gardens The prairieesque architecture including stonework and the spire like open gates speak to our regional landscape The spire gates are each 25 feet long and weigh 75 000 lbs each They are counterbalanced so well that the gates can be lifted with just one hand 2 Visitor s Center Opened FEBRUARY 1997 This 18 000 square foot building is built of redwood limestone and glass and includes a 30 foot tall conservatory The surrounding terrace gardens are 18 000 square feet 4 Architecture The shelter we build for human activities Should be responsive to those powerful elements of nature Should try to establish a harmonious and ideal relationship it should appear that man and nature carefully planned and arranged everything by mutual agreement And then each benefitted immeasurably from the other Let us hope this building can approach that ideal E Fay Jones

3 Meadow Pavillion Opened OCTOBER 1995 So many architects have to place their buildings in a rather coarse environment in a less than desirable setting or context Over the years I have been most fortunate in having to respond to many lovely sites but few have been as lovely as this E Fay Jones This redwood metal limestone and multi tiered trellis lines up perfectly with the middle of the Visitor Center and is a great place to enjoy a sweeping view of the Gardens and surrounding countryside This space was designed by Maurice Jennings Architects Four layered trellises have several angled ends to create a moving shadow The shadows are a creative expression of the architects Jones was a navy pilot and said he was fascinated with the three dimensionality of flight 4 Miller Hammond Chapel Study Opened OCTOBER 2018 Passing the love of nature through the generations Gina Miller and Laura Hammond The Chapel Study sits adjacent to the Marjorie Powell Allen Chapel It was designed by Walter Jennings of Maurice Jennings Architects to complement the existing chapel space The Chapel Study a beautiful structure offering dressing rooms for wedding parties a cozy space for a private event or a gorgeous setting for a corporate retreat is set among the trees and plants that line the path to the Chapel 5

5 Marjorie Powell Allen Chapel Opened APRIL 1996 The chapel will be a variation on the theme I have used in other chapels with different rhythms different details and a different configuration Natural light will be used as a delineating force I have always thought that if you can sum it up in one building it s not much of an idea This nondenominational chapel features doors that stretch 13 feet high The chapel has 2 550 square feet of glass allowing E Fay Jones the building to blend with the surrounding prairie It is 47 feet high 102 feet long and seats up to 120 people Redwood glass limestone and flagstone were all used to build this beautiful chapel The Chapel is named after Marjorie Powell Allen sister to Powell Gardens founder Geroge Powell Sr Marjorie often rested under a tree nearby Materials for chapel Redwood glass limestone and flagstone approximately 60 000 board feet of wood 2 550 square feet of glass 200 cubic yards of concrete and 300 tons of stone The shingles are inch southern pine 6 Special features The outdoor lighting fountain and flagstone courtyard plus seats sconces candle holders and lecterns all were designed by the architects Missouri Barn Opened 2009 Designed by Jennings Santa Rita Architects this contemporary open sided barn is made from cedar with a natural stain for preservation The attached 45 foot silo is patterned after traditional Missouri barn silos and provides an observation deck for viewing the gardens below This building also can seat up to 200 people for dinners and is available for event rentals 6

About the Architects E Fay Jones was born in Pine Bluff Arkansas in 1921 He studied at the University of Arkansas Rice University the University of Oklahoma and finally under his mentor Frank Lloyd Wright at the Taliesin Fellowship He practiced architecture from 1954 to 1998 Jones forged a reputation for mastering the integration of architecture with nature and limited his work to a few building types more than 200 houses and a handful of pavilions and chapels Jones awards include the 1981 American Institute of Architects National Honor Award for Thorncrown Chapel and the AIA Gold Medal 1990 Thorncrown was listed fourth on the AIA s top ten buildings of the 20th century When alive Mr Jones was recognized as one of the top ten living architects of the 20th century In 2000 Jones Thorncrown Chapel in Eureka Springs Ark was voted one of the most important buildings of the 20th century by the American Institute of Architects Maurice Jennings began working with E Fay Jones in 1973 and worked with him for 25 years He became the first associate in Fay Jones and Associated Architecture in 1976 and became Fay Jones only partner in Fay Jones Maurice Jennings Architects in 1986 When Jones retired in 1998 the partnership of Maurice Jennings David McKee Architects was established In 2006 the firm became Maurice Jennings Architects and in 2011 the partnership became Maurice Jennings Walter Jennings Architects PLLC When Maurice Jennings passed away in 2015 the firm became Jennings Santa Rita Thank you for taking the time to explore ARCHITECTURE IN THE GARDENS with us We hope you were inspired by the architecture and encourage you to walk the rest of the Gardens take more Wander Walks and learn more about our amazing Botanical Garden Interested in becoming a member Visit PowellGardens org member 7

Natural Joy Since 1988 Powell Gardens has been celebrating the beauty of the living world in all its forms 175 acres are open to the public for exploration education and inspiration Visitors enjoy eight themed display gardens a three mile nature trail seasonal festivals rotating exhibitions and exceptional architecture Many of the plants in the Gardens are regionally native and all highlight the changing seasons and Midwest spirit of place As Kansas City s Botanical Garden Powell Gardens plays a vital role in keeping the land s natural cycle alive and thriving and in creating memorable experiences that connect us to each other and to the profoundly simple rhythms of nature 8 1609 NW US Hwy 50 Kingsville MO 64061 816 697 2600