Designing an adaptive multipurpose small pavilion

This paper focuses on the design process of an outdoor shade-providing small pavilion, which is specifically conceived to host several ancillary functions at exhibition or event spaces in hot desert climates. For this purpose, previous exhibition experiences have been considered, showing a demand for multipurpose places that respond to contemporary human changing patterns and technologically influenced lifestyles. A common approach to design a space capable of adjusting or responding to different conditions or situations is to incorporate a capacity for change and flexibility in terms of space, time and function. To that end, an adaptive enclosure component has been designed. It consists of movable elements aiming to create an interactive environment where the space can engage in communication with its occupants and environment. The typically short lifespan and limited costs of a small structure lend a series of interesting alternatives to explore in terms of architectural possibilities. Today small construction are frequently used to experiment with form, testing new structures and materials. The proposal consists of modular self-standing umbrellas; different space configurations can be drawn combining the base modules and alternating full and empty spaces. Base modules assembly constitutes a light horizontal canopy. Canopy surfaces are made of an unconventional rigid wood panel, which allows the surfaces to fold along “digital hinges”. Changing position through a computerized system, the enclosure elements progressively transform increasing or decreasing the size of the shady area and altering the level of intimacy and opening of the space. Due to the great amount of direct sun exposure in the context of study throughout the year, a photovoltaic layer combined with WOOD-SKIN panels’ technology drives the system. Beyond the general function of offering a comfortable resting place the adaptive component is used as a context mediator, facilitating interaction, stimulating visual engagement, changing and extending the use of the surrounding space, either through a short or long period of time. Thus, the effects of an adaptive enclosure component have been explored at different levels. Evaluations of thermal comfort performance and technical aspects of the components are conducted using a physical prototype.