An ephemeral, kinematic pavilion in the light of assembly/disassembly and material use/reuse

Abstract

In this paper, we address reducing material consumption, conscious material selection, taking advantage of upcycling opportunities, and considering the reuse of components after the structure’s end-of-life in the context of ephemerality. We observe the realized Zero Gravity Pavilion through the lens of (dis-)assembly and (re-)use. The pavilion is presented as a showcase for the responsible design of lightweight structures, in which the geometry of the overall structure and all its components serves as a mediator between the specific material properties and the specific structural requirements of a kinematic structure, and simultaneously enhances both functionality and its spatial effects. The pavilion is a light, kinematic structure and architectural space, which has been assembled, disassembled and reassembled several times in different locations, where it has been continuously modified and adapted. Thus, ease of assembly and rapid disassembly, as well as reuse of components, presented challenges from the beginning of the design process but also triggered ultimately simple solutions in detailing and fabrication. The entire structure is designed so that all components can be easily separated from each other. The paper analyzes and describes in retrospect how much of the material was processed from raw material, how much of them was (re-)used for the construction of the structure and how much of them could be reused after the final disassembly. Based on the total weight, 96% of the pavilion has been seen as reusable after all cycles of its use and its final disassembly. The presented study is considered a step towards a new perception of architectural aesthetics that reflects the responsible use of materials and prioritizes the question of how long structures should last to better shape our future built environment.