honey scape by gonçalo castro henriques

‘honey scape’ by gonçalo castro henriques image © alexandre delmar/ jf fotografia installation at dusk

‘honey scape’ is an exhibition by gonçalo castro henriques of X-REF that intends to shelter the visitors, captivating them through its dream-like atmosphere with aromatic plants. the zone is defined by light and a transparent structure, based on a honeycomb, aiming to create a dynamic ambiance throughout the day. the installation avoids confronting or mimicking the landscape, but is rather seeks for a synergy between man, nature and technology.

the concept of the network is an experimental lightweight structure in alveolar polycarbonate. the hexagonal geometry of the honeycomb is organized according to three references, the parabolic arch, the double curved surfaces and the process of material adaptation. the unit functions in part as the voussoirs of the parabola that supports each other, adopting a configuration of a double curvature surface (hyperbolic paraboloid), and adjusting its size to their relative position in the structure.

entrance image © alexandre delmar/ jf fotografia

the combs are larger at the base, decreasing in size and height towards the top of the structure. the generation and manufacture of the components relied on the use of scripting and digital fabrication. a low-tech construction system was developed to build this complex unit. the system was complemented with metal connectors and a cable arrangement on site. through networking and self-organization the hives were assembled to create this artificial intelligence.

shadow effect throughout the day image © alexandre delmar/ jf fotografia

interior view of the combs image © alexandre delmar/ jf fotografia

view of the plot image © alexandre delmar/ jf fotografia

video © alexandre delmar/ jf fotografia + gonçalo castro henriques

interior at dusk image © alexandre delmar/ jf fotografia

image © alexandre delmar/ jf fotografia

project info:

program: landscape pavilion location: ponte de lima, portugal name of project: honey scape architects: gonçalo castro henriques, X-REF architectural research & development partners: partners: X-REF, BÖ01 – project management, dagol lda collaboration: paulo teodósio, pedro torres e pedro negrão (mergelab) and helder carvalho landscape architecture: X-REF with carlos sobral project area: 280 sqm project completion: 2012 client: municipality of ponte de lima photography: alexandre delmar/ jf fotografia

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