A competition to design a temporary pavilion for the Pop-Up Cities Expo has been won by an Edinburgh based firm of architects.
Konishi Gaffen Architects has designed a pavilion fabricated by artist Johannes Sailer, engineered by TALL engineers and supported by several Scottish timber companies.
The pavilion is intended as an inspirational snapshot of Edinburgh to inspire future generations of architects.
The City of Edinburgh Council organised the competition in association with Edinburgh Architectural Association, looking for designs that would reflect the location at The Mound.
Cllr Ian Perry, Convener of the Planning Committee, said: “Edinburgh is well known internationally for its iconic skyline and architecture. We are immensely proud of our World Heritage Status and this competition is a great example of how we can continue to raise our game and inspire local architects of the future. I would like to congratulate Konishi Gaffney on their well deserved win as they are a shining example of the quality of architects we have in the city.”
Kieran Gaffney of Konishi Gaffney Architects, said: “We are delighted to have won this competition and to represent Edinburgh at the Pop-Up Cities Expo. Our idea is based on a folded origami form developed from thinking about the brief for a pop-up pavilion.
“The form is made from two pyramids laid back to back with three openings pulled out: one for the door, one for a fixed window and one for an opening window for ventilation. The proposal is innovative in its design and minimised the use of materials. Using locally sourced timber means a small carbon footprint and the pavilion is intended for re-use at other events and functions. The proposal has an interesting, decorative structure and the simple form is materially and structurally efficient. We think the construction system should be quick and easy to install.”
Pop-up Cities Expo 17 June – 17 July, Mound Square, Edinburgh (FREE)
As one of the headline events of The Festival of Architecture, a year-long celebration of Scotland’s fantastic built environment and part of the Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design; cities from throughout Europe have been invited to design pavilions to be located in Mound Square, the very centre of Edinburgh, in summer 2016. The exhibition builds on the universal success of temporary pavilions and the popularity of present-day pop-ups. Architects have risen to the challenge of creating innovative and engaging pop-up designs that will capture the public’s imagination.
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