The Brochstein Pavilion at Rice University is featured in “Sublime Property- The Beauty of Brochstein Pavilion”. The Houston Chronicle’s ‘Prime Property’ column highlights exceptional Houston buildings and spaces.
Architectural Historian Stephen Fox writes:
“The Brochstein Pavilion at Rice University is my dream building. It’s a small, glass-walled building of immense architectural distinction (the architect, Thomas Phifer of New York, won the highest award conferred by the American Institute of Architects for its design; the landscape architect James Burnett of Houston, won the highest award conferred by the American Society of Landscape Architects for its garden design).
But the Brochstein is so simple there’s almost no “architecture” to speak of. When you sit inside the Brochstein — it houses a cafe — you don’t look at the building but at landscape vistas that open outward in all directions. It’s a building that puts you in touch with nature, even when you’re sitting inside, and shows you just how beautiful Houston can be. From outside, the building’s oversailing parasol-like roof diffuses sunlight, transforming it into radiant shade and bestowing a sense of calm and well-being that keeps you coming back for more.”