With this waffle-like fabric pavilion, all(zone) experimented with materials and forms creating an electrifying and joyful space designed to celebrate nature, in the lush surroundings at Queen Victoria Gardens, Melbourne, in MPavilion's ninth season.
MPavilion comprises three layers that explore the potential of fabric and tensile architecture. The outermost layer is built from fishing nets, giving the structure a stunning tactile texture that defines the MPavilion’s profile from afar.
The middle layer is crafted from a cutting-edge STFE membrane supplied by French manufacturer Serge Ferrari. As transparent as glass but 10 times lighter, this polyarylate mesh reduces glare and keeps the MPavilion weatherproof. It’s the first time STFE technology has been used in Australia.
Lastly, the bottom layer features a waffle of coloured fabric that moves with the breeze and filters light, evoking the feeling of gently resting under trees.
MPavilion comprises three layers that explore the potential of fabric and tensile architecture. The outermost layer is built from fishing nets, giving the structure a stunning tactile texture that defines the MPavilion’s profile from afar.
The middle layer is crafted from a cutting-edge STFE membrane supplied by French manufacturer Serge Ferrari. As transparent as glass but 10 times lighter, this polyarylate mesh reduces glare and keeps the MPavilion weatherproof. It’s the first time STFE technology has been used in Australia.
Lastly, the bottom layer features a waffle of coloured fabric that moves with the breeze and filters light, evoking the feeling of gently resting under trees.
“Working on the MPavilion project with so many talented individuals has been an incredible journey. MPavilion is special because even though it’s called a temporary pavilion, it’s actually even more complex than a building. We focused on how the MPavilion would accommodate lots of different activities, and the engineering and manufacturing have been a huge step forward for us in understanding the possibilities of fabric-based architecture.”
Rachaporn Choochuey, design director of all(zone).
The 9th MPavilion by all(zone). Photograph by John Gollings.
“When I first met Rachaporn and her design team, I quickly realised that we shared goals of harnessing architecture and design to make the world a better place for the future. Focused on solutions for upcycling and reusing buildings, sites and materials, (all)zone’s lightweight interventions complement MPavilion’s vision of fostering dialogue on how design and architecture can help create better cities for the people who live in them.”
Naomi Milgrom AC founder of the Naomi Milgrom Foundation and commissioner of the MPavilion
The 9th MPavilion by all(zone). Photograph by John Gollings.
The 9th MPavilion by all(zone). Photograph by John Gollings.
This year, Melbourne-based lighting design practice, Bluebottle, has collaborated with MPavilion again to realise the architectural lighting concept. Each night the MPavilion will be illuminated to reveal the complexity of the highly engineered structure hidden within and add intense kinetic colour across the live music program of the summer season. And in a partnership-first, Dulux will bring a fresh look to the MPavilion each month with architect Rachaporn Choochuey selecting four colours that will be used to paint the Kiosk.
At the end of the season, MPavilion 2022 will be gifted to the people of Victoria and moved to a permanent new home to be engaged by the community.
