The Radius Transformation Pavilion
(An Experimental Interactive Architecture)
Michael Jantzen
© 2013
www.michaeljantzen.com
The Radius Transformation Pavilion is an experimental, interactive, public architecture, which explores new ways in which to manipulate the shape of a large structure, in order to accommodate the changing needs and/or desires of those who encounter it.
The light weight steel structure is formed from six wedge shaped curved segments that can be rotated in any direction around a center support column. Each of theses segments vary in size, and each have rubber wheels mounted under the portion of the segment that is on the opposite side of the center support column.
The rubber wheels allow visitors to easily push each of the segments around the center support column. As the different segments are rotated around the column, many different kinds of spaces can be formed, dissipated, and reformed. Some of these spaces can become completely enclosed, if certain segments are appropriately aligned. Other spaces can be created that are totally open, and others that are somewhere in-between.
Large openings are formed into the segments in order to manipulate the ways in which natural daylight interacts with the changing spatial configurations. The structure is also artificially lit at night, and the lights are powered by a large solar cell array, which is mounted on the top of the center support column. In addition, each of the six segments have large benches built into them, for the comfort of the visitors.
The Radius Transformation Pavilion is one in a series of my design experiments that explore a new kind interactive architecture, which is not frozen into one space and time. I believe that this approach to architectural design is more advanced, and more appropriate for todays ever changing interactive world.
The segments of the Radius Transformation Pavilion could also become enclosed spaces with flexible passageways between them. In this way, the pavilion could become a house, and/or take on other functions as well.
Status: Unbuilt
