Architecture does not always have to be permanent to be powerful. The Arise Festival Center Camp is an exploration of ephemeral design, creating an iconic, large-scale gathering space that is both structurally robust and intentionally temporary. At the heart of this cherished Colorado music and arts festival is a sweeping 20,000-square-foot tensile structure, designed to be the vibrant core of the camp community.¹

The primary design challenge was to create a structure that could be easily dismantled and reassembled each year, while also being engineered to endure the demanding environmental conditions of the central plains, including strong winds and heavy snow loads.¹ This required a close, collaborative process with specialists in the field. The final design is a marriage of architectural vision and sophisticated tensile engineering, resulting in a graceful form that is as resilient as it is beautiful.

Praxis's principal, Seth Dunn, while at Siegel & Strain Architects, developed multiple design concepts and oversaw the design process in close collaboration with Guildworks, a fabrication and design company specializing in tensile structures.¹ This project demonstrates a capacity for creative leadership on non-standard architectural problems and an ability to partner with niche experts to deliver innovative solutions. It diversifies the firm's portfolio beyond traditional buildings, showcasing an aptitude for innovation in lightweight and specialized structures.