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Fractal Geometry and Timber Integration in an Educational Pavilion

Author:
Edoardo Mentegazzi
Fractal Geometry and Timber Integration in an Educational Pavilion
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Employing fractal geometry and timber construction, the pavilion offers an interactive educational space that challenges traditional architectural forms while highlighting sustainability and material efficiency.
5 key facts about this project
01
Fractal patterns influence both the structural and aesthetic design of the pavilion.
02
Timber walls support dynamic exhibition panels, enhancing functionality.
03
The pavilion includes modular seating that evolves from the floor's design.
04
Natural light filters through perforated panels, creating shifting shadow patterns.
05
An interactive display educates visitors about fractal geometry and timber use.

The Fractal Pavilion is a contemporary installation situated in the internal yard of the Faculty of Architecture in Turin, Italy. Designed as a temporary structure, it engages with themes of geometry and materiality. The pavilion blends design with function, serving as an exhibition space and a platform for exploring the versatility of timber as a building material.

Fractal Geometry

The design capitalizes on the principles of fractal geometry, utilizing self-similar patterns to shape the space. These patterns start at the ground level and extend upwards through seating modules and a central display stand. This spatial organization fosters a dynamic environment for visitors, encouraging exploration and interaction from various perspectives.

Structural Components

Timber serves as the primary material in the pavilion's construction, chosen for its ecological benefits and visual appeal. The timber walls provide essential support while also acting as visually striking backdrops for exhibition panels. This combination highlights the practical use of timber, demonstrating its relevance and adaptability in modern architectural practices.

Self-Supported Structure

The pavilion develops into a self-supported grid-shell, which showcases the recursive nature of fractal principles. The repetitive geometric forms echo the idea of self-similarity, transforming complex theories into a practical, usable space. This approach underscores the structural integrity of the pavilion while presenting a coherent visual experience.

Interactive Features

At the heart of the pavilion, an interactive display introduces the theoretical ideas behind the design. This feature invites visitors to engage with fractal geometry, providing a hands-on way to understand its concepts. The pavilion not only serves its purpose as a functional space but also enriches the educational experience for visitors and students alike.

Natural light filters through a series of perforations in the panels, creating shifting patterns of light and shadow. This adds to the atmosphere, enhancing the experience and inviting deeper reflection on the relationship between light and structure.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Competition organisers

Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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