This exhibition space is a beacon of creativity in the park; a temporary structure that transforms industrial materials into an ethereal showcase for urban flora. The innovative design shines through its ingenious use of scaffolding and interplay of light and shadow.
Client: Studio Aikieu + Coloni
Location: Queen’s Park, London NW6
Local Authority: Brent
Plot Type: Urban
Project Type: Cultural
Internal Area (GIA): 50 sqm
Emerging in the heart of London's Queen's Park Design District is an innovative exhibition space that reimagines the concept of temporary architecture. This pioneering structure, designed to house the Plants Out of Place exhibition, showcases a creative approach to sustainable design and material reuse.
Situated within a local park, the exhibition space rises from the urban landscape, utilizing an ingenious combination of scaffolding poles, trusses, and planks. This unconventional material choice not only addresses the client's need for a cost-effective solution but also demonstrates a circular construction method that minimizes waste and maximizes resourcefulness.
The structure's form is defined by its skeletal scaffold frame, creating a dynamic interplay of light and shadow. Translucent panelling alternates with slatted timber, allowing for a controlled diffusion of natural light during the day and a soft, ethereal glow at night. This interplay transforms the space into a beacon of creativity within the park setting.
Inside, the open-plan volume is thoughtfully organized to maximize exhibit space along the perimeter walls. A central stem serves as the focal point, housing an area where artists can demonstrate the art of perfume-making using common weeds, adding an interactive and sensory dimension to the visitor experience.
Distinctive elements include the glowing entrance areas, formed by enclaves of translucent panels that create inviting thresholds. The careful arrangement of exhibits allows for an immersive journey through the seven displays, each benefiting from the unique qualities of light and space offered by the structure.
This temporary pavilion stands as a testament to innovative design thinking, where constraints become opportunities for creativity. By repurposing industrial materials into an engaging exhibition space, the project not only fulfils its functional requirements but also embodies the spirit of sustainability and adaptability central to contemporary design practice.