Meet Two Austin Design Teams Constructing Playful Forts for the Upcoming Fortlandia Exhibit at the Wildflower Center

Nestled within the vibrant mission of the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center lies Fortlandia, an annual celebration of imagination and environmental stewardship. Now in its seventh year, Fortlandia beckons visitors with a unique collection of interactive forts, each a testament to the center’s dedication to native plant conservation.

Managed by Scott Simons, the director of marketing and communications at the Wildflower Center, Fortlandia features eight distinctive forts crafted by architects, designers and artists. These structures grace the center’s grounds, offering a hands-on exploration of the natural world. The forts not only captivate through their innovative designs but also embody the ethos of the Wildflower Center — to inspire a deeper connection with native flora.

“The Wildflower Center, while part of the University of Texas system, remains an entirely self-funded organization, so events like Fortlandia drive revenue to fund our conservation efforts,” says Simons. “Fortlandia helps drive our mission by promoting inspired play, where children connect directly with nature, specifically native plants.”

Empowering creators to build nature-inspired fortresses

The process behind Fortlandia is as dynamic as its forts. Applicants submit proposals to a committee that selects the final eight designs to be commissioned.

“We like to keep the criteria loose, so there’s plenty of room for creativity, and we accept applicants from anywhere in the world, from all walks of life,” says Patrick Moran, events and exhibitions coordinator for the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. “Most of our designers tend to be local architects, designers and artists.”

Those chosen receive a stipend to cover the full spectrum of design, construction and labor costs, empowering them to bring their visions to life. From rustic retreats to intricate installations, the diversity of creations reflects both the designers’ talents and the depth of their connection to native landscapes.

While the Wildflower Center provides the framework and funding, Fortlandia thrives on the design partners’ creativity and dedication. Their craftsmanship transforms conceptual designs into tangible experiences that resonate with visitors.

Harmony Habitat by Okkem Design

Christopher Clifton of Okkem Design is the mastermind behind the structure known as Harmony Habitat. This captivating geodesic design is made from two halves of a two-frequency icosahedron, a shape commonly seen in children’s half-dome climbing structures. Clifton was drawn to the mathematical properties of this shape for its potential to enhance design efficiency over construction time. Its triangular tessellations frame plywood panels celebrating the local ecosystem and featuring laser-etched depictions of Central Texas flora and fauna.

Honeycomb Hideout by STG Design

Nicolette Davis of STG Design led the design of Honeycomb Hideout, which encourages kids to play like bees and actively emulate the symbiosis between pollinators and wildflowers. The design and build are a collaboration between STG Design, Andalusia Design and Dunaway.

“The Hideout is made of tiered hexagonal platforms and accented by spiraling depictions of wildflowers, creating ample opportunity for playful pollinators to climb, jump and slide,” says Davis. “Creative architectural uses of the hexagonal honeycomb shape and the desire to mix education with play were the primary inspirations for our design.”

As the anticipation builds for this year’s event, Fortlandia promises another season of discovery, where play meets purpose amidst the blooms and biodiversity of the Wildflower Center. Open from October 5, 2024 through February 2, 2025, Fortlandia is a celebration that invites everyone to explore, imagine and connect with the natural world in new and meaningful ways.

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