LAVA: martian embassy, sydney

‘the martian embassy’ by LAVA, sydney, australia image © brett boardman all images courtesy of LAVA

international firm LAVA has recently completed the ‘martian embassy’ for ‘the sydney story factory’, a non-profit organization in redfern. the space is designed to take the visitor out of their ordinary surroundings and stimulate their creativity and imagination. 1068 CNC-cut curvilinear plywood sections capped with martian-green paint comprise the interior of the writing centre, resembling a strange intergalactic fusion between a ‘whale, a rocket and a time tunnel’. assembled on-site like puzzle pieces, the wooden frames use their shape as ornament and the intermediate negative space for shelves, benches, displays and storage to effectively utilize one hundred percent of the structure.

the entrance receives humanoid visitors and introduces them to an alien environment complete with lights and sound effects. further exploration will take the children to the red planet traveler’s shop, where an array of martian products can be purchased. the final destination is the classroom, where earthling volunteers are available to assist the students in creating and developing their stories.  

martian embassy, entry image © peter murphy

timber ribs define interior spaces and create fixtures and effects image © brett boardman

red planet martian supply store image © brett boardman

shop image © brett boardman

shop and writing centre image © brett boardman

store displays image © peter murphy

writing center image © brett boardman

model

floor plan / level 0

section

primary rib system

secondary rib system

nested rib pieces on plywood sheets

project info:

production: will o’rourke creative direction: the glue society project manager: berents project management lighting and acoustic design: ARUP builder: redwood projects lighting: philips sound: syntec oils: avatar air