5 key facts about this project
The rammed earth pavilion is located at a gulf surrounded by the ocean, creating a strong connection between the building and the natural environment. It serves as a community gathering space for lectures and performances, emphasizing social interaction. The design concept reflects themes of sustainability and cultural narratives, offering visitors an engaging experience linked to nature and human survival.
Foundation and Structural Elements
The building's foundation uses Cast-in-Place concrete along with gabion sea walls, which provide stability while addressing the challenges posed by the coastal site. This choice of foundation materials ensures that the structure can withstand environmental conditions. The rammed earth walls, made from local sand, gravel, and clay, strengthen the link between the pavilion and its geographical setting, promoting ecological awareness.
Access and Visitor Experience
Visitors approach the pavilion by boat, arriving at a dock in the south bay. This mode of arrival enhances the experience of connecting with the waterfront surroundings. Upon entering, guests find a concaved stage designed to host various performances and lectures, reinforcing the pavilion's role as a communal hub. The audience chamber, shaped like a bowl and carved into the earth, provides comfortable seating and excellent acoustics, which promote interaction among those present.
Integration of Natural Elements
Natural materials are thoughtfully used throughout the design. The roof, covered with hemp tarps, offers shelter while blending with the outdoor landscape. The exhibitions are built into the thick walls, inviting visitors to engage with both the architecture and the artworks. This integration creates a space where the design itself tells a story, encouraging guests to observe their surroundings and reflect on the relationship between art and nature.
Distinctive Aesthetic and Cultural Narrative
The architectural design draws on cultural narratives that evoke themes of arrival and connection to the earth. This storytelling aspect enriches the visitor's experience, making the space more meaningful. The pavilion's form and function are interconnected, with each element thoughtfully arranged to enhance the narrative. In the end, the design invites individuals to pause and reflect within the natural landscape that surrounds them.