Polish Pavilion / WWA Architects

WWA Architects have created a conceptual design for Shanghai Expo 2010.  With the exhibition housing pavilions from countries all over the world, each pavilion must provide a strong aesthetic message to attract visitors and then provide insight to the country. WWA’s pavilion creates a distinct stylistic motif taken from the folk-art paper cut-out to create a “memorable cultural ideogram”.   The intention was for “the structure décor to draw on and make reference to tradition, but ultimately to be that tradition’s contemporary reinterpretation, a creative extension into the present day by way of inspiration rather than replication,” explained the architects.

More images and more about the pavilion after the break.

Striving to make the design more than a literal interpretation of the folklore patterning, the architects seek to use the design in “a purely architectural dimension”  to create an attractive space aesthetically as well as functionally. The slanting planes of the structure create “a geometrically intriguing and flexible space that can be creatively apportioned, by inner divisions, to different exhibition, performance and utility functions and uses.”

The pavilion creates a route for the visitors to follow, which outlines a logical progression through the space.  The path first circulates around the information center before leading to the full-height exhibition space.  This main area, with light filtering through the cut-out patterns of the elevation, consists of solid walls that function as screens.  The screens project images of Polish city life and provide the backdrop for cultural performances in an effort to place the viewer in the appropriate setting.

The route continues to flow through the pavilion, leading up a terraced viewing platform and eventually to the roof level, known as the “viewing spot.”  The slanted roof provides an area for outdoor performances as well as prime seating for viewing the whole exhibition.

Wood is the main construction and finishing element while the outer layer of the elevation is made of impregnated laser-cut plywood mounted on glued wood construction modules with flitch plates. Panel wall elements made of glass, polycarbonate, hydro or UV resistant materials are mounted on the outer side of the modules. On the inner side, semi-transparent PCV or Tyvek type material membranes will be additionally mounted, on which the patterns of the outer elevation will be projected.

Thanks to our reader Patrick, an architecture student, for suggesting this project!

Credits: arch.Marcin Mostafa, arch. Natalia Paszkowska, arch. Wojciech Kakowski