by Mala Raman

21 Oct 2018. It was a clear, but chilly day at Grotto in the Oude Warande in the neighbourhood of Tilburg University. tíc members (and a few guests!) met at the pavilion, Grotto, in the middle of this small forest for a warm drink to keep out the chill.

This cave inside a glass box is a structure located at the point where eight paths converge from the forest in a baroque formal garden. The interior of the building is sunk into the ground and has holes at eye level to afford glimpses of the park outside.

In 2007, Fundament Foundation commissioned Callum Morton to design a pavilion where the baroque design of the garden was to be respected, it had to be at the central point of the park, the only spot from where the star-shaped pattern of the paths can be seen. However, a pavilion in this position would destroy the view of the star design. This presented Morton with a dilemma, which he resolved by creating an exterior that is not immediately apparent, because it is a mirror, so all eight paths of the star continue in the reflection.

tíc kids and adults alike had a great time around this unique building playing soccer, racing a remote control monster truck and munching on warm snacks despite the cold nipping at noses, ears and fingers! It was a beautiful autumn day filled with good company and lots of laughter. Probably one of the last clear days, as the rainy, fall weather has finally arrive in Tilburg.

#tilburginternationalclub #Grotto #Autumnday #expatlife #Fall