The Archifest Pavilion stands majestically lofty in the middle of Marina Bay Sands Events Plaza. Physically embodying the spirit of this year’s theme ‘CROWD’, it is the heart of the eighth premiere architecture festival, Archifest – a Festival of Ideas for the City.
The Archifest Pavilion is constructed with the combined ideas between the two winning teams of the Archifest 2014 Pavilion Design Competition – Architect Fong Hoo Cheong of ‘HCF and Associates’ and Architect Kelvin Kan and Lead Designer Shinya Okuda of ‘AgFacadesign and NUS’.
Fong Hoo Cheong’s design is formed with 4000 humble plastic stools. The use of this everyman object as a primary construction module, challenges the rational use of a plastic stool into a large architectural space, beyond its intended purpose. The ingenuity of the design lies in the density and visual complexity that pushes visitors to take an exploratory approach when walking through the structure. The various spaces progressively unfold and reveal themselves. The visual and even acoustic variations proposed in each space emphasise the notion of progressive understanding of the pavilion.
Kelvin Kan and Shinya Okuda debut the first Cloud Arch™ prototype as part of the Archifest Pavilion. Cloud Arch™ is a patent-filed innovative design and technology used to create ultra-lightweight long-span sustainable structure for any kind of column free spaces. It is assembled with over two large canopies, each dynamically framing an iconic landmark view such as Esplanade, Fullerton and the Central Business District skyscrappers.
Covering a span of 10-14 metres with a depth of nine metres, Cloud Arch™ hosts various key events of Archifest such as the workshops. It allows the public to enjoy the natural outdoor environment by balancing protection and interaction with sun and rain and providing the openness that engages people.
The Archifest Pavilion is situated at Marina Bay Sands Events Plaza from 26 September to 11 October 2014.
Photos Courtesy of Archifest
