Australia's answer to the U.K's Serpentine Pavilion, MPavilion, opened over the weekend for its fourth iteration, unveiling the completed design by acclaimed architects Rem Koolhaas and David Gianotten of international firm OMA.
The structure for MPavilion 2017 is shaped by two tiered grandstands—one fixed, the other moveable—and covered by a floating roof structure. Inspired by ancient amphitheaters, the rotating grandstand allows the pavilion to open up to the garden or broader cityscape and creates a flexible civic space that can function as a stage, auditorium or even a playground.
The main infrastructure for the project is a two-metre-deep gridded, machine-like canopy with a protective translucent roof embedded with advanced lighting technology for the series of free public events. The mechanics in the canopy can be activated per the type of event taking place—an open-air venue for performances, entertainment and sports—further adding to the flexibility of the space.
Speaking of the pavilion, Rem Koolhaas and David Gianotten of OMA commented, “our design for MPavilion 2017 is intended to provoke all kinds of activities through its configurable nature and a materiality that relates to its direct surroundings. We are happy that MPavilion can perform as a theatre of debate around the city and its development, and contribute to the ongoing civic discourse of Melbourne.”
Naomi Milgrom AO, chair of the Naomi Milgrom Foundation, who commissioned Rem Koolhaas and David Gianotten to design MPavilion 2017, commented, “It is a rare and privileged opportunity to have Rem Koolhaas and David Gianotten of OMA design MPavilion 2017, and a remarkable coup for MPavilion to be their first completed commission in Australia. Rem and David’s profound vision and insight has resulted in an extraordinary pavilion for Melbourne.”
Opened in Melbourne's Queen Victoria Gardens, the kickoff event was celebrated with a live performance from Yorta Yorta soprano Deborah Cheetham AO joined by the Dhungala Children's Choir. Programming for the pavilion will run through 4 February 2018, featuring hundreds of creative collaborators, both Australian and international. More information on visiting the Gardens can be found here.
6 Comments
Smart pop poster modernity..
meh
half ass half baked
Whats a full ass full baked temporary pavilion look like?
A full ass full baked design Looks like the person who designed it put some care into it and didn't conceive of it during their morning shit and finish by lunch.
What does that even mean? Are you a designer?
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