SITU Studio

Solar Pavilion 2

© Keith Sirchio

SITU Studio . photos: © Keith Sirchio . © Hiroko Masuike . © Joseph Vidich

The pavilion utilizes properties of self-organization found in natural systems to create a lightweight structure that is easily constructed using local assembly rules and no general plan, allowing for multiple spatial configurations. In addition, it is designed to be collapsible in segments that can be deployed again in any shape or size.

© Keith Sirchio

© Hiroko Masuike

© Hiroko Masuike

© Joseph Vidich

© Joseph Vidich

© Joseph Vidich

© Joseph Vidich

© Joseph Vidich

© Joseph Vidich

© Joseph Vidich

At the CitySol event the pavilion occupied a footprint of approximately 50' by 40' and housed public services including a bar and concession stand. In the spirit of CitySol, eco-friendly materials were used when possible, and waste was minimized throughout the fabrication process.
The pavilion utilizes a flexible connection system that acquires stiffness through the bending properties of plywood. Individual pieces have a continuous connection profile along their entire edge. Any two pieces can be notched together at any point and are held in place using a flexible tie-strap connection. This allows for extremely rapid assembly using simple construction procedures. Portions of the structure are pre-assembled using a parallelogram logic that allows for collapsibility. Pre-assembled units are transported in a flat bundle, expanded on site, and locked in place with transverse members.
Suspended beneath the structure is an array of scale-like panels made from eco-friendly corn starch plastic (donated by Cereplast) that provide shelter from the sun and rain.

The pavilion's design emerged from a series of experiments aimed at tying together processes of algorithmic computation and mass customization. Fabricated using a CNC router at Situ Studio's office in Brooklyn, the structure is made of hundreds of unique plywood pieces of varying thicknesses. Cut sheets, which were generated using parameters controlling various aspects of shape, are also designed to produce zero waste by utilizing the entire sheet.
Program specific fixtures such as benches and tables are made with bamboo plywood (donated by Bettencourt Green Building Supplies) and are functional adaptations of the same structural system.

Date: 2008