Seattle-based architecture practice Olson Kundig Architects aimed to bring a northwest sensibility to this international event, by sourcing fashion, music, lighting, furniture and other design elements from makers and purveyors based in the Pacific Northwest.
38 Beams, designed in collaboration with Spearhead, is a reference to the 38 mid-century glued laminated timbers (glulams) used in the structure. The glulams were formed using wood from the Douglas fir forests of the northwest, and recently salvaged from a building in Los Angeles. The beams'approximately 15×30 inches around, and up to 30 feet in length'will serve as the foundation for 38 Beams before going on to find new life in another Olson Kundig project after the fair.
The 38 Beams structure will be complemented by specially commissioned and curated design elements within the space, ranging from a light tube chandelier by LILIENTHAL|ZAMORA to the apparel worn by the hostesses, to be supplied by Seattle-based design and fashion retail house Totokaelo.
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