The brief was to design a structure for this year’s Triumph Pavilion to provide an inspirational and interactive space for the general public to engage and share discussions about design within the unique setting of the Museum Gardens adjacent to the V&A Museum of Childhood, Bethnal Green London.
The design for the Triumph Pavilion 2014 ‘Dream Pavilion’ was chosen from hundreds of proposals submitted to the annual international competition sponsored by Archtriumph.
Our response to the brief was to create two human scale enclosures that gradually open out to the centre through a series of timber frames. The structure aims to create a space of tranquillity, beauty and mysteriousness.
The dream pavilion’s informal entrances are directed towards the axis of the main site access routes. There can be fine line between dream and reality and the perception of the pavilion constantly shifts from solidity to transparency depending on the vantage point. The form of the pavilion also creates inspiring and ever-changing shadows according to the position of the sun.
The pavilion aims to provoke discussions about architectural aspirations and creativity through exploring geometries to create inspiring spatial forms. Although there is a prescribed circulation route through, thresholds between inside and outside are blurred and participants can weave through the spaces towards the perimeter seats for further reflection.
The materials and fabrication method are based upon simplicity and sustainability using diagonally cut orientated strand board panels to create structurally efficient frames with no material wastage.
During the opening of the pavilion it was a pleasure to learn that this simple and genuine, yet, sophisticated and elegant piece of architecture has truly achieved its purpose – a place for people to use and enjoy.