The design of the Rotary Pavilion is a celebration of Lincoln’s four seasons. “If you look up into the dome, around a column structure, the south side is the summer, and the north is the winter. As you go around each of the panels, due south is the heat of summer. As you come around to the west, you’re coming to fall,” Jeff explains. The pavilion’s structure is based on four tree trunks, with the canopy above reflecting the oak trees. Each branch of the oak trees represents the four seasons – with dense foliage in summer and falling leaves in autumn.
This thoughtful design ensures that the pavilion is not just a shelter but a visual narrative of the changing seasons in Lincoln. The shading varies with each season, creating a dynamic and engaging experience for visitors.
When it came to producing the intricate laser-cut panels for the pavilion, Jeff turned to TMCO. “At that point in time, laser cutting was still fairly new. We worked with TMCO to explore the capabilities and what we could cut into the metal,” he recalls. This collaboration was crucial in translating the intricate designs into reality.
TMCO’s expertise in laser cutting, bending, and powder coating was instrumental. “It became evident that whatever we could draw, TMCO could create,” Jeff says. “They imported our designs into a CAD file, provided the details in terms of tolerances and structure, and helped work out the details like pop rivets.” Jeff visited TMCO several times to see the panels being cut, bent, and powder coated, ensuring that the final product met the highest standards.
Installed during the 2005 renovation, the Rotary Pavilion has become a focal point of the Sunken Gardens. Originally intended as a picnic shelter, the pavilion was reimagined as a gateway to the garden, providing a main entry point that enhances accessibility and serves as a visual anchor. “We wanted to provide, in the big picture, a way for everyone to get into the garden through one main entry. That’s what’s really made it iconic,” Jeff notes.
Over the years, the pavilion has taken on a life of its own, appearing in postcards, videos, and various highlights of Lincoln. “It’s become an emblem of the garden and part of the culture of Lincoln. It’s amazing to see the different aspects it’s shown in. It’s incredibly personal for me as the designer, but it lives for Lincoln,” he reflects.
The Rotary Pavilion marked the beginning of a long and fruitful partnership between the designer and TMCO. “Over the past 20 years, we’ve worked with them on all kinds of projects,” says Jeff. The collaboration has continued to thrive, with TMCO’s talent and accessibility playing a key role in realizing various creative visions.
Sheet metal prototype fabrication accelerates product development by validating designs early and supporting faster production readiness. Learn how TMCO’s integrated fabrication approach helps reduce risk and shorten development timelines.
An integrated OEM supply chain strategy helps reduce risk and shorten lead times. Learn how consolidating manufacturing processes improves visibility, quality, and production speed with TMCO’s full-service approach.
Sheet metal prototype fabrication plays a critical role in design validation and production readiness. Learn how prototypes help refine designs, reduce risk, and enable efficient scaling with TMCO’s integrated manufacturing approach.
A strong OEM supply chain strategy reduces risk and supports scalable growth. Learn how integrated manufacturing partnerships help OEMs improve reliability, quality, and production efficiency with TMCO’s full-service approach.
Certifications play a critical role in custom industrial equipment manufacturing. Learn why ISO, CE, and OSHA standards matter and how they ensure safety, quality, and regulatory compliance throughout the manufacturing process.
Explore real projects completed by custom metal fabricators and learn how engineering support, technology, and quality processes contribute to successful results. See how TMCO delivers precision and reliability across diverse applications.
Choosing the right custom metal fabricators is critical to project success. Learn the key factors to evaluate, including experience, capabilities, quality standards, and communication — and how TMCO delivers reliable, full-service fabrication support.
Selecting the right turnkey manufacturing partner can impact cost, quality, and project success. Use this checklist to evaluate expertise, capabilities, and processes — and see how TMCO delivers reliable, full-service manufacturing support.
Requesting a quote for custom industrial equipment manufacturing? Learn what details matter most. TMCO explains how providing accurate project information leads to realistic pricing, faster timelines, and confident decision-making.
Precision sheet metal fabrication costs depend on materials, design, and finishing. Learn how TMCO’s in-house expertise ensures quality, precision, and performance in every project.