Observatory Pavillion by S-AR + CEDIM
Recognizing that architecture and construction are inherently collaborative endeavors, an exercise was devised to deepen the understanding of construction logic, the essential principles required for execution through the conceptualization and design of a pavilion by S-AR, tailored specifically for the site adjacent to CEDIM.
In the initial phase of the workshop, students engaged in a two-week exploration of material and volumetric studies through models and physical construction details at various scales, aiming to identify the most viable solutions for the project's subsequent construction.
This phase included crafting scaled models and prototypes using materials suited to each scale, with the goal of achieving 1:1 scale construction details. These investigations provided crucial references for assembling the pavilion at full scale, guided by the expertise of the project's constructor.
The second phase of the workshop involved hands-on participation, as students joined the on-site construction processes over the next five weeks, collaborating closely with the construction team to realize the pavilion.
The pavilion features a tower constructed using a modular frame-and-board system reminiscent of traditional framing techniques. The frame comprises four metal columns paired with wooden lattice elements, internally lined with plywood boards. This modular approach enables rapid assembly and minimizes construction errors by reducing the number of intricate details.
The tower is divided into two spaces by a wooden mezzanine. The upper space, an open-air patio, serves as a lookout that captures shifting light and time, offering views of passing clouds and birds throughout the day. The lower space functions as a transitional zone between the pavilion site and the open sky patio, contrasting sharply with the latter in both size and illumination. This darker, enclosed area creates a dramatic lead-up to the sunlit patio above.
The pavilion is envisioned as an artifact designed to evoke diverse experiences through its interplay of textures, light, and color.
