Introduction
The concept for the Penumbra Pavilion aims to create a striking shading experience that showcases the unique capabilities of carbon fiber with a modular and tileable design. The shading pavilion consists of a series of polygonal cone structures, strategically placed and arranged in a seamless pentagonal tiling pattern across the site. This creates a visually distinctive and appealing experience to the visitors, especially with the slender design of the columns that is enabled by the innovative material.
Materiality and Modularity
The pavilion showcases upcycled pre-impregnated carbon-fiber as a building material to create a unique and lightweight structure. The use of this ultra-performative material allows for an exceptionally lightweight and slim canopy design that is only 5mm thick, and can go up 5 meters in the air with remarkably wide spans.
3D-printed concrete benches are integrated within the design of the structure as well, and allow the users to take rest under the shade of the canopies, which completely shade what is under them as a result of their geometric tiling. The use of 3D-printing for the benches adds a level of detail, intricacy, speed, and cost-effectiveness that cannot be matched by traditional construction methods.
Experience
Navigating through the shading pavilion offers a dynamic experience that is distinctive by its unique circulation path created by the pentagonal tiling arrangement. The material's advanced properties allow for an extraordinarily light and sleek design for the canopy and its supporting columns. This creates a striking amount of shade coverage in contrast to the thickness of the columns that carry such wide spans, and ultimately creates a much more open feeling space that cannot be achieved using other materials.
As you walk through the space, the shades gradually ascend in height, further enhancing the feeling of movement and dynamism across the structure. The slim canopies also feature strategically placed openings that allow light to filter through to the space below, creating a mesmerizing interplay of light and shadow through the pavilion that is constantly changing throughout the day.
This dynamic experience encapsulates our vision to transform the ordinary into an extraordinary fusion of design and technology. Our pavilion stands not just as a shading solution but as an iconic landmark, inviting all to wander through its intricacies and experience the manifestation of our commitment to architectural innovation and user-centric design.
The carbon fiber is used in a modular manner by creating three moulds that form all the structural units. The modular approach offers flexibility in assembly, allowing for an efficient construction process and potential for future adaptations. The modularity of the column component also allows the shading structure to be variated at different heights by simply adding or removing a module, further enhancing the flexibility of the design and its ability to adapt to any location.
Flexibility and Adaptability
The pavilion’s modular design goes beyond construction efficiency; it offers versatility and adaptability in response to changing needs. The interchangeable nature of the shading structures allows for adjustments to suit different contexts or to accommodate evolving requirements. This inherent flexibility ensures that the pavilion remains relevant and functional over time, extending its lifespan and optimizing its long-term value. In the future, the pavilion could be re-integrated in any other neighborhood becoming a native structure to its community.
Flooring and Seating
The deck of the shading pavilion features a distinctive design that adds to the user experience. A border made of wood elegantly traces the perimeters of the polygonal cones, creating a visually impactful contrast with the surrounding elements. Within this wooden framework, a spiraling wooden infill is used for the flooring. This inwards spiraling pattern not only adds a sense of dynamism and movement but also offers a tactile experience for the users.