mab architects: plinthos

plinthos by mab architecture images courtesy of mab architecture / christos drazos

greek studio, mab architecture has completed ‘plinthos’, a multi-sensory pavilion located in athens, greece. the structure, which is constructed from 21,816 red clay bricks, explores both the traditional structural characteristics of the modest material as well as the transparent qualities not normally associated with bricks. 

the cocoon-like volume appears as one continuously unraveling surface, covered entirely in bricks turned on their side. perforated holes on the side of the blocks are exposed to create a permeable surface, allowing air, light and sound to penetrate the structure.

entrance and exit

inside, sound and light engage the visitors, transforming the pavilion into a living organism that requires their interaction. stem light fittings, installed in the floor are ignited through touch and motion. a camera captures the movement of the mechanisms and transmits the information to a computer where they are transformed into frequencies and translated into an audio-visual installation. resulting, is a layering of interweaving media reactions that consume the visitor, allowing them to simultaneously become a performer and observer within the space.

a bench gives visitors a place to sit and absorb the sound and light experience

recessed lighting runs along the floor and ceiling

stem lights react to the motion and touch of visitors then transmit the signal to a computer

detail of the clay bricks turned on their side to reveal a series of perforations

(left) the computer transmits the information behind the scenes (right) one of the stem lights

plinthos by mabarchitects from mab architects on Vimeo.

plan

exploded axo

diagram

interactive diagram

Plinthos pavilion construction_by mabarchitects from mab architects on Vimeo.