Pavilion Of Humanity:
First Contact

To highlight the continuation of humanity it might have been more expressive, if both parts were covered by one single roof. Where the Parthenon is firmly grounded by the laws of gravity, the roof of the new pavilion levitates in the air in hopes to connect better to the Universe. Rather than tying down the floating roof with simple terrestrial ropes, a more 'magical' solution like Mag-Lev would have been more appropriate.

The pavilion develops a welcoming gesture to greet visitors. Through the parallel connection and simultaneous juxtaposition of the new building with the Parthenon, a very unique story of humanity is told - and this solely by architectural means.

Arrival was the most surprising entry: the juxtaposition of floating and flowing ephemeral elements contrasting with the weight and history of the Parthenon was something delightfully unexpected. Although its impermanence didn't fulfill the brief in my mind, it deserved a commendation!

The project is a clear signpost in the open landscape. It is a spatial installation in the spirit of land art, and its integral part is light and shadow. It may bring to mind many works of art, from the oeuvre of Stanley Kubrick to Richard Serra's sculptures. It is based on the contrast between openness and closure, simplicity and complexity, built and natural matter.

The project convinces with a reduced use of materials that should be well and easy to separate and recycle. In case of weathering, the material use seems to be unproblematic for the surrounding environment.

The proportions and juxtaposition of the plate colonnades are bold, leaving spaces between for people to think until they walk to the next plate…The use of columns as the major symbol is a good choice as it is the most ordinary structure of escaping from the gravity of the Earth.

The Mile is a very simple and clear idea, representing a slice of time and humanity. Interestingly, this project wasn’t a building and said so much with less. They say three things placed in a straight line proves intelligent life exists - so this takes that to another level. I like the way the sun interacts with the proposal, almost like a sun-dial of life.

The concept behind The Mile is timeless and inherently sustainable. The proposal seems to sit lightly on the ground, so as to minimally impact the natural surroundings. The use of Corten steel makes for a long lifespan devoid of maintenance. And once built, this proposal relies on no other energy than people coming to visit by foot.

A flexible repository of knowledge developed from a simple basic module. The serial use of the module creates a place of communication that is both minimalist and transcendent.

It is a project that, using simple, universal and clear means, forms and materials, creates a unique space full of meanings, impressions and open to different interpretations. It is a concept that connects the past, present and future using modular elements that allow for various space arrangements and content changes (e.g. depending on the development of technology, language and means of expression). The simplest geometric forms (from the micro to macro scale) contrast with the surrounding nature.

The visualization of the design is impeccable and the idea of storing and conveying information convincing. Although I would expect to see more “architecture design” to play in the process of first contact, so that it would be less like a big hard-drive.