studio 3A builds 'paper cloud' pavilion at festival des architectures vives

this temporary pavilion built for festival des architectures vives has been made using 2,000 pieces of laminated paper, which have been assembled without bolts or glue. named ‘paper cloud’, the project was designed by studio 3A — a collaborative practice that comprises japanese architect kazuya katagiri, mexican architect luis lopez resendez, and german architect marco budeus.

festival des architectures vives
all images by studio A3

studio 3A’s design was constructed in the french city of montpellier for the 2017 edition of festival des architectures vives — an annual program that seeks to initiate a reflection on architecture and its development within an existing urban context. the entire structure has been made from hundreds of paper rings, which have been slotted together to form a lightweight enclosure that changes its appearance throughout the course of each day.

festival des architectures vives
the structure has been made using 2,000 pieces of laminated paper

the pavilion’s white surfaces have been designed to reflect the coloration of the historic site, which changes from dawn to dusk with evolving light patterns and plays of shadow. the design seeks to engage visitors through its changing conditions, allowing guests to become a part of the installation.

festival des architectures vives
the structure has been assembled without the need for bolts or glue

‘this simply assembled monochromatic paper structure contrasts with the massiveness of the stone pavement and walls in the courtyard,’ says studio 3A. ‘however, once stepping inside the installation, this cloud-like structure merges with light and its existence seems to disappear like bubbles.’

the installation was completed for the 2017 edition of festival des architectures vives

festival des architectures vives
the entire structure has been made from hundreds of paper rings

festival des architectures vives
the individual elements have been slotted together to form a lightweight enclosure

festival des architectures vives
the paper cylinders change appearance throughout the course of the day

festival des architectures vives
the pavilion’s white surfaces have been designed to reflect the coloration of the historic site

festival des architectures vives
evolving light patterns and plays of shadow directly effect the pavilion’s aesthetic

festival des architectures vives
the monochromatic paper structure contrasts the site’s historic architecture

this year’s festival des architectures vives ran from june 13-18, 2017

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philip stevens I designboom

jul 24, 2017

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