London, United Kingdom
Akash Changlani and Isik Goren of Foster+Partners have repurposed existing materials in order to create a temporary installation made of timber frames, ropes, and pedestals showcasing the beauty and potential of “circular design.”
Both Goren and Changlani, coming from an architectural background, specialized in building science and technology, and now practicing in the field of sustainability.
The pavilion is a result of what initially started as an open call for architects at Foster + Partners to create a temporary structure for Pride Month in 2022.
The design concept was to open a discussion in the architectural profession, on taking pride and liberation of “taking a rest” from work while honoring Pride Month.
“In the making of the pavilion, the idea is materialized as an enclosed frame of an octagon. On each face, the ropes from the colors of the pride are handwoven and united at the top, which then forms a spirograph with an opening to the sky,” says Akash Changlani.
The space offers the habitant an experience of holding the head up by looking up as a gesture of pride and dignity. Meanwhile, the ropes on each side face act as a semi-transparent screen to make dialogue between indoors and outdoors.”
“In present-day culture, especially in the architectural profession, pride, and dignity are associated with work, production, and the self-reflection of being busy; whereas idleness, or “not doing anything” is not necessarily glorified or held in honor,” states Isik Goren.
“We wanted to offer an outdoor space for respite for employees, a place to take intentional breaks while offering views of the sky and the rest of the campus’ outdoor space, where it is currently located. The pavilion represents taking pride in natural ways of being and living, which we aren’t meant to have shame in the first place.”
The sustainable and circular design aspects were further emphasized by designers, they hand-weaved all the reclaimed ropes with no additional metal joinery.
The reclaimed timber sections were also kept largely at their original length to avoid waste from cut-offs.
Originally intended to be a temporary installation for Pride Month, the pavilion’s positive impact on the Foster + Partners campus and its employees led to the decision to keep it as a permanent installation by the practice.
The design was open to the public during the Foster + Partners Open House.
It was also featured in the London Festival of Architecture and Architecture LGBT platforms.
Project: In Pride of Idleness Pavilion
Architects: Foster + Partners
Lead Architects: Akash Changlani and Isik Goren
Photographers: Aaron Hargreaves and Akash Changlani
