architects collective: austrian pavillion for shanghai 2010

‘waltz me!’ austrian pavillion for shanghai expo 2010 by architects collective image courtesy architects collective

‘waltz me!’ is the name of the design of architects collective austrian pavillion for shanghai expo 2010.

the pavilion consist of a wood frame structure with a rectilinear roof, no central columns and 4 walls that seem to dance in a circular motion to become a waltzing box. the buildings double-layered skin consists of an inner transparent film and an outer metal mesh similar to a skirt. the predominant function of the building is that of a dance hall for visitors that are invited to learn to waltz in 2 minutes with a electronic dance floor to practice before hitting the dance floor.

beyond that the pavilion should serve for various events, include a café, a store and some offices. the classic vienna waltz is a ‘left waltz’, the skirt therefore counter-clock-wise and at the same time a practical way to bring people in and out of the pavilion. at the heart of the pavilion is an open (below and above) black box, that is floating above the dance floor to allow a flowing connection between circulation space and the dance floor for the shy and the brave alike. a long ramp surrounds the black box so visitors can watch the 2-minute dancers or other visitors. the black box itself works like a theater machine for strolling, acting, playing and watching in the sense of kiesler´s space stage or raumbühne.

‘waltz me!’ austrian pavillion for shanghai expo 2010 image courtesy architects collective

‘waltz me!’ austrian pavillion for shanghai expo 2010 image courtesy architects collective

‘waltz me!’ austrian pavillion for shanghai expo 2010 – floor plan image courtesy architects collective

‘waltz me!’ austrian pavillion for shanghai expo 2010 – floor plan image courtesy architects collective

‘waltz me!’ austrian pavillion for shanghai expo 2010 – floor plan image courtesy architects collective

‘waltz me!’ austrian pavillion for shanghai expo 2010 – elevation image courtesy architects collective

‘waltz me!’ austrian pavillion for shanghai expo 2010 – elevation image courtesy architects collective

‘waltz me!’ austrian pavillion for shanghai expo 2010 – plan image courtesy architects collective

‘waltz me!’ austrian pavillion for shanghai expo 2010 – how the building is shaped image courtesy architects collective

‘waltz me!’ austrian pavillion for shanghai expo 2010 – model image courtesy architects collective