Sacred Place
Pr02

ARC 381 FALL 2025 Prof. Alan Frost

Artist Statement
Throughout our lives, we are inevitably faced with moments of deep grief. the passing of a loved one, a distant friend, or a cherished pet. The grief that follows is heavy, intensified by the stark realization that the chapter of creating new memories is closed. And while death is an unavoidable and universal experience, its presence compels us to focus on the profound and lasting impacts we make on one another. This project explores the intertwining of moments shared throughout a lifetime, celebrating the connections that leave an indelible mark.
It is this life, enriched with connection, that deserves to be celebrated. As we navigate the initial sorrow, those very memories that first brought us grief slowly begin to transform, allowing us to find joy in reflection.

Site Location
This project proposes an architectural intervention within the Fabyan Forest Preserve, specifically targeting the forgotten remains of Mrs. Nelle Fabyan's late 19th-century reflecting pool. Located at 1925 S Batavia Ave in Geneva, IL, the site sits in the architectural shadow of the Fabyan Villa. Once a beautiful feature adjacent to a private arbor, the classically styled fountain, distinguished by its caryatid supports, has since been reclaimed by heavy vegetation and is frequently overlooked by visitors to the neighboring Japanese Gardens.
The design intent centers on adaptive reuse rather than removal. By honoring the "ruin" as a historical anchor, the project seeks to bring a renewed focus to this secluded corner of the Fabyan grounds. The project utilizes an existing uphill spring to channel a natural creek through the site, reintroducing the element of water to the original fountain structure. This revitalized space invites visitors to step away from the primary estate paths for a moment of quiet reflection.