david adjaye’s triangular all-timber pavilion pierces the sky at venice architecture biennale
CategoriesArchitecture

david adjaye’s triangular all-timber pavilion pierces the sky at venice architecture biennale

David Adjaye presents ‘The Kwaeε’ at Venice Architecture Biennale

 

At the Venice Architecture Biennale 2023, acclaimed British architect David Adjaye has unveiled a striking triangular pavilion crafted exclusively from timber. Positioned just outside of the Arsenale Central Pavilion, the eye-catching structure is aptly titled ‘The Kwaeε,’ taking its name after the word ‘forest’ in Twi, a dialect of the Akan language spoken by millions of people in southern and central Ghana.

david adjaye's triangular all-timber pavilion pierces the sky at venice architecture biennale
David Adjaye’s triangular pavilion stands just outside the Arsenale | image by Andrea Avezzù, courtesy of La Biennale di Venezia (also head image)

 

 

all-wood pavilion evokes serene forest-like atmosphere

 

‘The Kwaeε’ installation by David Adjaye (find more here) embodies the essence of its namesake through its form and materiality. Crafted entirely from wood, this triangular prism structure incorporates two oculi, creating an interesting visual composition. By seamlessly merging elements of doorways, platforms, assemblies, and windows, the installation forms a harmonious and unified entity. The deliberate distortion of the shape, thoughtfully angled and integrated with its surroundings, generates passages and openings that facilitate a continuous flow of movement and interaction. Moreover, the structure’s vertical black timber slabs produce a captivating interplay of light and shadow, enveloping the space with a serene forest-like atmosphere.

 

Located right outside of the historic Arsenale grounds at the Venice Biennale (find more here), the pavilion stands out as a captivating addition, showcasing the rich diversity of African and African diaspora practitioners. Its external triangular prism structure contrasts with an internally sculpted ovoid chamber reminiscent of a cave. This design allows visitors to gaze at the sky through the oculi while enjoying glimpses of the surrounding canal through the intricately crafted timber interstices. Not only does the installation provide a tranquil space for reflection and respite, but it also serves as a versatile venue for multiple events and gatherings, accommodating diverse needs and purposes.

david adjaye's triangular all-timber pavilion pierces the sky at venice architecture biennale
the external triangular prism structure contrasts with an internally sculpted ovoid chamber | image by Andrea Avezzù, courtesy of La Biennale di Venezia

david adjaye's triangular all-timber pavilion pierces the sky at venice architecture biennale
crafted entirely from wood, the triangular prism structure incorporates two oculi | image by Andrea Avezzù, courtesy of La Biennale di Venezia



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triangular metal roof crowns elevated sports hall in taiwan school extension
CategoriesArchitecture

triangular metal roof crowns elevated sports hall in taiwan school extension

Office aaa attaches ‘Shui Yuan Assembly Hall’ in Taiwan school

 

Office aaa undertook the design of ‘Shui Yuan Assembly Hall’, a 2-story building on the north side of the campus in Hsinchu City, Taiwan. Occupying 1,894 sqm, the scheme hosts two badminton courts, a performance stage, and three multi-purpose classrooms. The site of the building is situated on the boundary line between Hsinchu City and the suburbs, surrounded by a picturesque landscape.

 

The design team raised the main building on colorful columns, thus creating a semi-outdoor playground below. This high-ceiling pilotis enables a smoother transition from the courtyard to the sports field, allowing for visual communication between the spaces. A vast triangular metal roof crowns the sports hall attachment, generating a generous space inside. triangular metal roof crowns elevated assembly hall in taiwan school campus extension

all images by Yu-Cheng Chao, unless stated otherwise

 

 

office aaa’s sports hall captures the picturesque surroundings 

 

The architects at office aaa sought to create a protected space that at the same time frames a sweeping view of the surrounding greenery. Thus, a large amount of glazing surrounds the building, forming a well-lit and protected arena. 

Construction-wise, the raised structure follows the original configuration of the school complex, connecting the yard directly to the main building through an external staircase. The stair is encased by a red mesh which visually matches a red A-shaped column at the corner of the building and adds some vibrant splashes to the otherwise muted palette. This column rises and penetrates the slab above, holding the roof in place.

 

‘The structural system and column spacing are optimized for the function of different spaces. The classrooms have small spans and are constructed with a simple concrete frame; the 2nd floor is a thick solid concrete slab with lattice beams to provide a bigger span lifting the stage and courts above; the big angled roof supported by slanted steel beams, the angle has been strategically designed to accommodate the flight path of badminton balls,’ explain the architects. The symbolic column, triangular roof, and red staircase become the key features of ‘Shui Yuan Assembly Hall’. 

 triangular metal roof crowns elevated assembly hall in taiwan school campus extension
vast triangular metal roof tops the sports hall attachment

 triangular metal roof crowns elevated assembly hall in taiwan school campus extension
image by Tze-Chun Wei | red grid wraps the external staircase

Reference