This project was completed in the fall of 1998. The requirement was to build an architectural folly in which one could experience the falling of the rain. The semester began with researching the definition and purpose of a folly. Working in groups, we defined a folly as a series of events beginning with an approach followed by the crossing of the folly’s threshold and ending with a reflection and recollection. The idea behind my folly related to the notion of threshold. As the event of a folly happens when the user crosses the threshold, I created a gatehouse one would pass before crossing this boundary. The language was based on that of Japanese gatehouses, guarding the entrances to sacred gardens and palaces. This exploration of wood and translucent screening let me explore materials and joints. The small gatehouse was meant for contemplation and the metal roof allowed the rain to beat loudly and created a soothing rhythm for the user to listen to. Upon entrance of the folly, the user was forced to duck down to pass under the exaggerated lower doorways. This was done as a means of humbling the user, used in many Japanese sacred spaces.