Thai Pavilion takes shape
The Thai Pavilion at Olbrich Gardens, a gift from alumni, is quickly taking shape as artisans work tirelessly on the 30-foot-tall structure.
The pavilion was first assembled in Thailand, then taken apart and shipped to the United States in late July. The artisans arrived Sept. 11 and began reassembling the pavilion, or sala, Sept. 12 following a traditional Thai ceremony.
The pavilion was given to the university by the Thai chapter of the Wisconsin Alumni Association and the government of Thailand. The pavilion, known as a sala in Thailand, is made of teak. It is 30 feet high, 40 feet long and 22 feet wide, and features a high-lacquer finish and gold-leaf etchings and bears the royal seal of the Thai Crown. Its craftsmanship follows the principles and design of traditional Thai construction. There are no nails holding it together, only joinery. The pavilion will be surrounded by a Thai garden.
Artisans from Thailand work on the Thai Pavilion at Olbrich Gardens. (Photo: Michael Forster Rothbart)
Some of the university’s Thai students help stack roof tiles. Visitors were allowed to sign their names on the backs of the tiles that now cover the roof of the pavilion. “A roof is a symbol of safety and protection. It’s a way to demonstrate our commitment to the values of international friendship and peace, which form the foundation of this building,” says Kim Santiago, director of international relations for the Wisconsin Alumni Association. (Photo: Michael Forster Rothbart)
Atop the pavilion, an artisan paints roof trim. (Photo: Michael Forster Rothbart)
Handpainted woodwork highlights the painstakingly reassembled pavilion. (Photo: Michael Forster Rothbart)
The gold-leaf painters demonstrated their art to visitors Sept. 22. At a ceremony marking the beginning of the structure’s reassembly, celebrants tie a ribbon around the first column to be raised in construction. From left: Kim Santiago, Wisconsin Alumni Association director of international relations, Pongsak Payakvichien, president of WAA’s Thai chapter, and artisan Somchai Satsuphap. The traditional ceremony, known as “Yok Sao Eak,” which means “stand up the first pillar,” was held Sept. 13. (Photo: Michael Forster Rothbart)