Skip to content

Kengo Kuma designs malleable pavilion for Design Miami

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.

 


Related Links: About Robbie Antonio , Contact

READ  For FIAC, Projects Sprawl All Over Paris as Dealers Ring Up Sales Inside the Grand Palais

DISCOVER MORE

Fashion Company Missoni Takes On Luxury Housing

About 75% of the building’s fashionable units, ranging in price from $100,000 to $2 million, have sold since hitting the sale block in January.  Perhaps
Read More >>

DOST Partners With Revolution Precrafted To Showcase World Class R&D In Construction Technology

by DOST-PCIEERD Revolution Precrafted, the country’s first unicorn and the trailblazer for local start-ups, combines world-renowned designers and the latest advances in construction technology to
Read More >>

What is Singapore by Design ?

by PhilStar Global The Formica Kvadrat pavilion at SingaPlural uses upcycled formicat in a creative way to form a multi-use shelter. Singapore is becoming a
Read More >>

5 tiny off-grid pods that could replace your house

The shifted elliptical shape is inspired by natural forms and provides passive shading. The building’s interior is split along a North-South axis, creating natural ventilation. Since each pod is customizable, interested buyers can inquire about pricing with Revolution Precrafted Properties.
Read More >>