June, 2016 - Robbie-Antonio.com

by Jason Sayer, The Architect’s Newsaper

Japanese architect Kengo Kuma has designed a billowing geometric pavilion for the Phillipe Gravier Gallery at the biannual Design Miami/Basel 2016 design forum.

Called Owan, Kuma’s pavilion aims to establish a dialogue between architecture and the landscape by employing an undulating mesh-like structural shell. Owan‘s design also derives from the curvature often found in fish scales and traditional tea bowls from Kuma’s homeland.

The pavilion’s shell can be altered, changing its relationship to the site and its interior dimensions. Though appearing porous, Owan is lined with a thin waterproof membrane that can move in the wind along with the lightweight structure.

https://vimeo.com/164417666

In the video above, you can see how the structure responds to light. Given the structure’s intended natural environment, the trajectory of the sun should play in important role in the pavilion’s performance.

Design Miami/ (June 14 – 19) is a forum that has a strong pedigree in the world of design collectables. Kuma’s Owan will be presented at the forum’s “Design at Large,” which will also exhibit further large-scale installations under the theme of “tea house,” notably Ron Arad’s Armadillo Tea Canopy by Revolution Precrafted.

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by Nina Azaarello, Designboom

revolution precrafted presents ron arad’s armadillo tea pavilion at design miami/ basel
all images courtesy of revolution precrafted

the design at large program at design miami/ basel comprises a curated collection of large-scale works and ambitious architectural installations, both from historical and contemporary contexts. the 2016 theme focuses on ‘landscape’, exploring the relationship between the built and natural worlds from a literal, conceptual, and technological perspective.

as part of design miami/ basel 2016, held from june 14-19, revolution precrafted properties — a collection of limited edition dwellings, ranging from functional pavilions to modular homes — presents the ‘armadillo tea pavilion’ by israeli designer ron arad. the shelter is conceived as an independent shell structure, providing an intimate place of refuge and reflection within a garden, landscape, or large internal space. comprising a series of five molded shells, the pavilion is made of mechanically-fixed modular components with exposed fixings and stiffening brackets.

the ‘armadillo tea pavilion’ by ron arad is presented at design miami/ basel 2016

the flexibility of these elements allows the tea canopy to be configured in a variety of arrangements, and can be expanded when using additional shells. adaptable for indoor and outdoor use, ‘armadillo tea pavilion’ is designed to be structurally independent and installed as a free-standing element, with the possibility of additional anchoring if desired. each of the shells are made in range of finishes — depending on their intended purpose — from durable PVDF-coated timber composite for outdoors, to oiled hardwood-veneered plywood for indoor use. all of the shell fixings, foot brackets, and structural stiffeners are made in hand-patinated brass and bronze. ‘

it’s not an airtight structure — it’s not for typhoons, or storms — but it gives you a very loose shelter from sun, wind, noise, because you define your own enclosure,’ arad describes.

https://vimeo.com/148472832

ron arad for revolution
video courtesy of revolution precrafted properties

see more revolution precrafted properties on designboom here, and our interview with its producer and real estate developer robbie antonio here.

the shelter is conceived as an independent shell structure