A Place to Reflect
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Nestled at the water’s edge of Eckerd College, the Scovanner Pavilion serves as a contemplative yet functional gathering space for students and faculty. Inspired by the campus community’s vision of this area as the "spiritual center" of the college, the pavilion was designed to foster connection—both with nature and with one another.
Constructed entirely of durable white concrete, the pavilion is built to withstand the coastal elements, from salt air to periodic flooding. This resilience ensures its longevity, reinforcing its role as a lasting fixture on campus. A minimalist yet impactful design approach maximizes openness and shade, providing a comfortable outdoor environment that supports Eckerd’s emphasis on experiential learning and outdoor engagement.
The structure features an oculus at its center, drawing light into the space and serving as a subtle homage to the pavilion’s origins as a memorial. Thoughtfully placed columns frame expansive waterfront views, reinforcing a sense of openness while maintaining a sense of shelter. Designed to balance durability, simplicity, and purpose, this project exemplifies architecture as a means of enhancing both function and experience—offering students a place to gather, reflect, and learn for generations to come.
Eckerd College
Project information
St. Petersburg, FL
1,200 SF
Completed in 2024
client/owner
location
size
Status
FOUNDER
Jerry Sparkman, AIA, NCARB
Jerry Sparkman, a founding principal of Sweet Sparkman Architecture & Interiors, has been crafting resilient, thoughtful designs since the firm's inception in 2002. His work reflects a deep understanding of the coastal environment, emphasizing the integration of local culture, history, and long-term community growth. Jerry’s design philosophy—“respect the land and the people, and the rest will follow”—is exemplified in projects like The Bay Park in Sarasota, where he has merged innovative design with environmental stewardship to create vibrant public spaces. His portfolio spans high-end residential projects, public parks, higher education facilities, and community spaces, all shaped by active listening and a meticulous approach to financial, physical, social, and environmental factors. With a belief that nature provides unlimited inspiration, Jerry continues to create spaces that harmonize with their surroundings while meeting the needs of diverse communities.
Ram Venkat, AIA
Ram Venkat is a recent transplant from Ithaca, New York, where he served as the Senior Project Manager on staff for Cornell University's facility department. In this role, Ram had the opportunity to manage large complex renovations and new construction projects with many talented and well-renowned firms that built on this Ivy League campus, including Lake Flato and Payette Architects. As an Architect, he aspires to build beautiful buildings rich in character and meaning, and develop strong relationships with all the people involved. His diverse experience on various higher education building types provides Sweet Sparkman with excellent design standards and a knowledge of how best to serve the needs of our higher education clients. Ram enjoys being with his family, playing tennis and running outside in the warm Florida weather, a welcome change from upstate New York.
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