The Beehive Pavilion is located in the expansive Black Rock Desert of Nevada and is designed for visitors attending the Burning Man festival. The structure focuses on the use of rammed earth and generative design techniques to create a space that is both functional and engaging. It invites people to explore and interact while experiencing a variety of perspectives within its distinct environment.

Design Concept

The architecture employs an open algorithm in Blender, which shapes the physical forms around a central void. This design method supports fluid movement and interaction, allowing visitors to navigate through various pathways. The experience is designed to connect individuals more closely with the surrounding desert landscape, providing insightful views from both ground level and elevated positions.

Materiality and Construction

A key aspect of the Beehive Pavilion is its role in showcasing the art of rammed earth construction. Molds for making bricks will be sent to various parts of the world, encouraging the production of unique blocks from local clay. This approach emphasizes the importance of different geographical materials and the connections between local traditions and their implementation in the pavilion's design.



Transparent resin elements are incorporated into the structure, providing information about the soils used in the building process. These truncated octahedron forms not only enhance the visual appeal but also serve to educate visitors about the diverse materials, linking architecture with the natural environment from which it draws.



Construction techniques include the use of FDM 3D printing to create the molds for the bricks. Each mold contains a base and cap with a filling hole, ensuring an effective process for compressing the raw clay mixture. Additionally, perforated bricks with a star-shaped cylinder axis provide extra support where needed, enhancing overall stability.



The interior of the Beehive Pavilion features a layered design, where different soil gradients come together to form a unique visual landscape. This use of various materials creates a narrative that reflects the richness of earth as a building substance, encouraging visitors to engage with not just the structure but also the history and context of the materials used.