Komorebi
The pavilion draws inspiration from Marcel Duchamp's concept of Ready-made art, embracing the idea of "creating with what already exists." It incorporates glass and steel—two quintessential materials of the construction industry since the Modernist era. By repurposing recycled glass bottles and steel rebar mesh, the Komorebi Pavilion highlights the omnipresence of these standardized and globalized materials, giving them a renewed purpose in its design.Initially revealed at the CHART art fair 2023 in Copenhagen, the pavilion has since moved to the Utzon Centre in Aalborg. Its presence in these historic settings underscores its core message: finding beauty and utility in common objects. The pavilion's name, Komorebi, refers to the interplay of light and shadow, akin to sunlight streaming through leaves, a natural phenomenon that the structure artfully replicates with its glass bottles.
The pavilion is constructed from three simple steel modules, each designed for ease of assembly and support of the glass elements. This approach underscores the potential for using recycled materials in architectural design and speaks to a growing interest in sustainability within the field.
Drawing from experiences in Japan, the pavilion is influenced by Shinto beliefs, where objects are valued not just for their practical uses but for their inherent stories and spirits.
Komorebi Pavilion serves as a case study in the potential of reusing and repurposing materials. The use of glass bottles, a material often relegated to recycling or waste, demonstrates a thoughtful approach to environmental concerns. The pavilion's design reflects a broader conversation in architecture about the importance of sustainable practices, especially in urban settings.
The interplay of light and shadow within the pavilion is not only a visual spectacle but also a metaphor for the role of architecture in harmonizing with nature. The steel structure, while robust, is designed to be unobtrusive, allowing the glass bottles to take centre stage. This design choice speaks to a minimalist philosophy, where the focus is on the essential elements and their function.
In conclusion, the Komorebi Pavilion stands as a testament to the creative possibilities inherent in everyday materials. It challenges architects and designers to think innovatively about the resources at their disposal and to consider the environmental impact of their creations. In this era of heightened environmental awareness, the pavilion serves as a reminder of the potential for architecture to lead the way in sustainable and thoughtful design practices.
| Client | CHART |
|---|---|
| Status | constructed |
| Size | 5m2 |
| Year | 2023 |
| Project Management | Joanna Maria Lesna |
| Architects | Joanna Maria Lesna, Izabella Banas, Paola Gonzalez Marquez |
| Structural Consultants | Vincenzo Reale and Franchesco Banchini (Arup) |
| Steel Fabrication | Tomasz Wesolowski (Konsta SP. ZO. O Konstrukcje Stalowe) |
| Bottle Supplier | Iskilde |
| Transport and Construction Coordination | Dorpol-pool |
| Team | Atibadi Brugnano, Filippo Cartapani, Philippe Chapuy, Alexandar Donov, Thomas Enee, Polina Galantseva, Mathis Gebauer, Andrea Gioachini, Høg, Ioannis Mathioudakis, Vlad-Ilie Necula, Matthew Oravec, Anastasia Papaspyrou, Job Schobre, Migel Rebelo, Antonio Ríos Calderón, Tatiana Watrelot |
| Location | August 2023 Kunsthal Charlottenborg, Copenhagen September 2023-current: Utzon Centre, Aalborg |