AUB Summer School Pavilion Design
August 2024
During my summer school at the Arts University of Bournemouth, I immersed myself in exploring innovative way to design pavilions, focusing on structure, material and user-experience. One of the most exciting discoveries was the potential of emphasizing the pavilion’s structure through the use of materials. By combining folded cardboard with wooden sticks of varying thickness, I was able to enhance the form and stability of the design.
The thick wooden beam at the top not only acts as a structural element connecting the two blocks of the pavilion but also contributes to the overall sense of unity and balance in the design. To provide clarity and orientation for users, trees were deliberately placed around the pavilion, subtly indicating the entry and exit points and giving the space a clear sense of direction.
The roof design, with its irregular form, is a direct result of my experimental folding techniques. It breaks away from the rigidity of traditional shapes, introducing a sense of fluidity and movement to the structure. The ladder-like feature within the pavilion was designed to serve as a communal seating area, encouraging interaction and creating a space where students could gather, relax and connect with each other.
Process
The pavilion was designed with careful attention to its site and the students who would interact with it. The use of grass and benches in the design helped guide movement through the space, creating a natural path the directed students toward the pavilion while avoiding the feeling of a large, empty void.
Rather than beginning with a rigid plan, I adopted an experimental approach to the process. I explored different methods of folding cardboard and observed how these folds could shape the overall form. This method allowed for more unexpected and innovative results, leading to a design that feels organic and dynamic.
