Lombardian Flower - Pavilion

Project: 2024

Location: Italy - Milano/Mantua

University: Politecnico di Milano

Year of study: III

Designed for: Mantua workshops - Ultra Lightweight Design

Extra information Exhibited at: Milano Arch Week 2024 & MANTOVARCHITETTURA 2024

Design team: Daniel Nowak, Natalia Bogawska, Magdalena Borovina, Alena Ivanova

About:

The pavilion ‘lombardian flower’ is shaped to reflect the symbol of the region where it was built, albeit slightly modified and simplified. the primary goal of the project was to create a shading structure that allows for comfortable shelter. the pavilion can operate independently, for instance, in a park, or in larger numbers to cover a vast area like a market square.

The structure can be scaled flexibly while maintaining construction and mechanical details, thanks to hydraulic mechanisms. the target height of the pavilion when unfolded is 5 meters, and its span reaches up to 15 meters (one ‘leaf’ measuring 5x7 m, with support columns placed every 1 meter).

Each ‘leaf’ is a separate structure that can be opened or closed individually. when the canopy is fully extended, water is designed to flow gravitationally into the interior of the pavilion, creating a waterfall. subsequently, the water is collected in a tank or distributed underground to irrigate the surrounding vegetation. the folding and unfolding of the leaves are facilitated by cranes and hydraulic presses, which operate a lightweight metal structure. elastic fabric between the frame elements enables these operations.

The project was assessed by architect Benedetta Tagliabue - juror of the Pritzker Prize (she said it was ‘Lovely’)