The Rammed Earth Pavilion connects architecture and urban agriculture in a lively area of Sergels Torg, Stockholm. This structure is designed to highlight human scale and ecological awareness within a busy urban landscape. It serves as a space for contemplation and encourages people to interact with nature. By fostering a deeper understanding of sustainable practices, it helps visitors reflect on their connections to their environment.

Human Scale and Urban Agriculture

The pavilion has an area of 18.6 m², which relates directly to 100 m² of urban agriculture—enough to provide food for one person for a year. This connection emphasizes the importance of understanding the space needed for food production in cities. By including elements of agriculture in the design, it showcases how urban areas can embrace and cultivate a relationship with food sources.

Materiality and Construction

Rammed earth is the main material used for the pavilion, an ancient building technique known for its strength and thermal benefits. The solid walls offer a tactile experience, grounding visitors in their environment. This construction method aims to create a link between the building and the natural world, embodying the idea of living in harmony with the earth.

Lightness and Transparency

On the south facade, timber slats create an element of lightness, contrasting the sturdy rammed earth. These slats allow sunlight to filter into the space, enhancing visitor interaction with the environment. The corrugated steel roof provides support while also enabling the collection of rainwater, an essential feature that sustains the surrounding gardens.

Engagement with the Urban Context

The design encourages visitors to experience their surroundings with all their senses. The pavilion’s layout creates views toward significant urban structures like Hötorgsskraporna and Kulturhuset. This thoughtful arrangement prompts people to consider their relationship with food production, highlighting a blend of urban life and nature.

The pavilion integrates earthy tones from the rammed earth walls with the vibrant life of the terraced urban gardens, creating a grounded yet welcoming atmosphere.