The project by EMBT for COPAGRI within the Expo Milano 2015 stems from the combination of two single domes of equal diameter, but different heights. The two domes together create a flexible and well-structured space that could be further subdivided in order to fit different needs of the internal spaces. The double dome consists of an “origami” of structural glulam elements, joined by steel plates.
The dome is conceived as a variation of the vast surrounding public space: for this reason, the structures present clear permeability and full congruence with the setting. The open nature of the structure is materialized in a reduced use of mechanical systems, in favor of natural lighting and natural ventilation.
The structure is composed of a big three-dimensional grid that gradually transforms in woven branches, as it grows to the open top of the dome. The structural elements become architectural ones, designing both the internal and the external facades as tree branches; the empty spots of the grid enhance air and light permeability, together with visual continuity between outside and inside.
The double dome is a prefabricated structure, made of spruce glulam with zinc-coated steel joints. Numerical control machines cut the structural elements, and they can be easily assembled and dismantled in agreement with COPAGRI’s need of reuse after the Expo, as expressed by the project competition requirements.
CREDITS. DATA SHEET.-
Architects.- Miralles Tagliabue EMBT.
Project Director.- Makoto Fukuda.
Project Coordinator.- Valentina Nicol Noris.
Design Team.- Dirce Medina, Claudia Baralla, Claudia Manenti, Silvia Pirrera, Gabriele Rotelli, Andres Echevarria, Thomas Hostache, Carlo Cervellieri, Luca Amighetti, Ana De la Cuesta, Ana Zueras, Daniel Combariza.
Collaborators.- Matteo Ruta, Emilio Pizzi – Politecnico di Milano, ABC Department, Milano. Collaborators: Alessio Costantino Mirabella, Elena Seghezzi, Ivana Congiu (technical and scientific support), Francesco Iorio - SIO Studio Iorio, Bergamo (structural design), Giuseppe Amaro - GAE Engineering, Torino (fire engineering), Pierpaolo Ruttico - INDEXLAB, Milano con Carlo Beltrancchi (digital design and fabrication consultancy).
Location.- Lake Arena, Expo Milano 2015. Milan, Italy.
Clients.- COPAGRI y Expo 2015 S.p.A.
Dates.- April 2014 to December 2014 (design), March 2015 to April 2015 (construction).
Built area.- 560 sqm.
Budget.- € 600,000.
