Metal Maple

LATITUDE’s pavilion proposal for the Chicago Architectural Biennial is a multifunctional space featured with a few key elements: a platform to elevate the pavilion one foot above street level; a cantilever roof to create an expressive space together with aluminum leaves; and a movable wall to adjust the size of the enclosed area.

Wind and sunlight work in tandem with the pavilion’s aluminum leaves to create a changing and evocative space under the cantilever roof. These aluminum leaves —inspired by the leaf of the sugar maple, a local tree— are moved by a slight breeze allowing sunlight to enter the pavilion. As the wind changes, so does the illumination of this space.

The movable elements that configure this pavilion allow the enclosed space to change in size and function in order to accommodate a variety of activities. The flexible spaces and the possibility to be used both when it is open or closed will make it an important landmark for both tourists and Chicago residents.

The whole project will be prefabricated and easy to transport to the different locations. The design, flexibility and simplicity of maintenance make this pavilion an ideal project for the city of Chicago.

PROJECT FACTS

Year: 2015
Type: Competition
Status: Proposal
Client: Chicago Park District, City of Chicago
Program: 18.5m2 for a multifunctional pavilion
Principal Architect: Manuel N. Zornoza
Team: Andrea Ramos Rodriguez, Jorge Cortes de Castro, Lucia Bravo Guinea @LATITUDE