Bruno Zevi once said that space is the “protagonist of architecture” because “Painting functions in two dimensions, even if it can suggest three of four. Sculpture works in three dimensions, but man remains apart, looking on from the outside. Architecture, however, is like a great hollowed-out sculpture which man enters and apprehend by moving about within it.”
© Francesco Pierazzi Architects . Published on May 25, 2013.
The Pavilion is conceived as a solid block, which is, like a sculptor with a block of stone, carefully carved to form space. This act of carving creates three distinctive typologies of space; the space within, the space above, and the space around. Each typology has a different relationship with the space beyond.
© Francesco Pierazzi Architects . Published on May 25, 2013.
The space within – Like the Montana Tindaya by Edwardo Chillida, the space within is gouged from specific positions in the block to create a contained enclosure. The holes left by this act allows shafts of natural light to penetrate deep into the space. Each opening moulds the light in a unique manner through the different relationships between the solid and the void. The space within is the heart of the pavilion. It is the space for gathering, interacting, viewing, listening, socialising. It incorporates a small refreshments bar that can double as an information desk or bookstand. It has the capability of hosting presentations, exhibitions and installations. Two pivot doors allow the inside to be closed off form the space beyond.
© Francesco Pierazzi Architects . Published on May 25, 2013.
The space above – The space above is an incision in the top surface of the block. This space, accessed from a narrow passage, which resembles that through a mountain, elevates the visitor above the ground to a raised position. Although this space can be considered a contained space as it is demarcated by its edges, it is also an open limitless space connecting the visitor with activates occurring on the ground and the space beyond. The visitor however is merely an observer from a privileged position, similar to being in a belvedere. Access to the space above can be restricted either through the space within or from the space around. This allows the Pavilion organisers to determine the use of this space, whether for a private venue associated to the space within or open to the general public associated to the space around.
© Francesco Pierazzi Architects . Published on May 25, 2013.
The space around – Contrary to the contained space of the space within, The space around is an open, limitless space. It has the power to influence and be influenced by the urban environment in which it is placed. It can become a location for activity, relaxation, or both.
© Francesco Pierazzi Architects . Published on May 25, 2013.
The carved block is then sliced and spread out. The pavilion takes on a layered nature while still maintaining its solid form. The layering resembles the strata found in natural formations. In architecture, the layers resemble the black and white ribbons present in the Duomo di Siena.
© Francesco Pierazzi Architects . Published on May 25, 2013.
The gaps created by the separation of the panels provide a level of transparency between the various spaces creating a dialogue with the surroundings while still maintaining a physical separation. This transparency also allows the visitors to view into and through the pavilion’s spaces without necessarily accessing them. The pavilion also becomes very dynamic. The movement of the visitors and the external environment enhance the experience of the spaces.
© Francesco Pierazzi Architects . Published on May 25, 2013.
The gaps set up an interesting opportunity to artificially illuminate the building by using LED strips mounted in-between the panels. While by day the Pavilion tends to blend within its surrounding, by night the Pavilion becomes a beacon clearly marking its territory.
© Francesco Pierazzi Architects . Published on May 25, 2013.
The ‘Water’, an extension of the space around – The shallow pool of water, which extends from the side of the passage elevation, has a direct relationship with the pavilion’s facade. It is the same size of the passage façade. The water will change the perception of the pavilion by creating a mirrored reflection of the façade; making the pavilion appear taller. The water also extends into the space within creating a dynamic link between the two spaces. A waterspout will disrupt the flatness by creating ripples in the water’s surface. It is intended for the visitor to occupy the area around or, on a hot day, within the pool.
© Francesco Pierazzi Architects . Published on May 25, 2013.
The Material – The Pavilion will be constructed using the Kingspan TEK Structural Insulated Panel laid horizontally. These structural panels provide the thickness required for the layers and structural rigidity. It is envisaged that the panels be held in place using steel rods with steel spreader plates.