ABWAB 2017

The scope of the brief was to develop a temporary pavilion for hosting the ABWAB 2017. The interesting part was that it needed to be made of a waste material thats left for recycling at Bee’ah’s yard. One visiting the yard we came across of a massive inventory of materials that have reached the end of their intended life cycle. At a particular compaction point we came across a mount of magestically laid coil springs. The material was inspiring. It was light, let the air pass though, let the light pass though and absolutely no resistance. However by virtue of its structuring it had its own strength. Fascinated by its lightness and ephemeral character, the bedsprings and its mesh like silhouette brought to mind the impetuous ocean, traditions waves, slightly abstract. Nature is a constant source of inspiration. The environmental commitment that we uphold prompted us to bring a dose of meaningful recycling to Dubai. Envisaged as a creative sculpture, the pavilion is as temporary as the inspiration on which brought it to life.

The space where the pavilion is to be located is in between the built masses of D3. The idea was to erect a structure that floats like a cloud in between these volumes and would facilitate the viewing of various products. The structure should convey a sense of hope; hope for a better tomorrow. And how on regular days, everyday materials can be transformed, recycled in a meaningful manner. The bedsprings acts as a coil mesh, distilling the light that passes though it to reveal interesting patterns on the ground. Drawing upon the shapes of a cotton candy, coral cluster in a reef, waves in the ocean and clouds in the sky, the structural system illustrates a series of interconnected posts to support the clouds of mesh. The structure is about going back to the basics, being in touch with the ground, seeing whats around, experiencing light and interaction.

Project Outline

The aim was to create an innovative work of art, predominantly using the recycled materials from Bee’ah. The primary material chosen for the design of the Abwab Pavilion is a collection of meshes in varying sizes. The pavilion is designed to showcase creativity through various domains of art. The structure is designed as a contemporary and inviting space that enables it to be perceived as an artistic expression, while making ample room for exhibits within its core and amalgamating art with architecture. The mesh, made out of recycled bed spring coils, envelope the core structure further giving it an organic silhouette. The structure celebrates the shape and character of the material by retaining and representing it in its purest form. Narrow corridors, surrounded by the mesh, create a space filled with filtered light and interspersed by shadows creating a play of patterns. Every stage of the radically minimalistic pavilion enables the viewer to explore the exhibits and the pavilion amidst a creative ambiance.