RE:CON:ACTIVE TISSUE
Our muscles as inspiration for responsive kinetic design
Inspired by the basic concepts of muscular structure that is inherent in our concept of physical competition, this pavilion utilizes the flexibility and longevity of vinyl products in order to create a responsive system that not only adapts to various weather conditions, but also reacts to the activity within the space, creating a venue that showcases the activity and excitement of the 2015 Pan Am Games.
In addition, while the structure itself is designed to become the centerpiece of the West Don Lands development, the surrounding site has been designed to fully integrate itself within the context of Toronto's progressive nature, through the incorporation of mass transit and sustainable measures.
This pavilion seeks to find an innovative use of vinyl by taking advantage of its most sustainable properties of durability and longevity. The underlying concept behind the design is to create a reactive structure based on the ideas of local Toronto architect and thinker Philip Beesley, who proposes through experimental exhibits, that architecture can utilize modern technologies to become responsive to both its surroundings, and those who occupy the space within.
The pavilion structure itself uses a skeleton-like structural system of reinforced steel tubes that serve to give the pavilion a dramatic form, evocative of the motion inherent in the Pan Am Games. The space in between the structural members is defined by the context-responsive vinyl fabric cladding, which can adapt and appropriately react to various environmental conditions. For example, these vinyl fabric fibers, held in place by a system of steel cables, have the ability to tilt on their axis, allowing them to fully close during a rainstorm, shedding rain down the structure to a series of drains that capture and properly store the rainfall. During the spring/summer season, the fabric fibers tilt open at an angle to effectively vent the structure, whilst still preventing excessive sunlight penetration. In addition, this reactive system allows the pavilion to continue its usefulness during Toronto's harsh winters. A double-layered vinyl curtain can be lowered over openings on the structures sides, while the vinyl fabric fibers making up the main canopy system are closed to prevent excessive heat loss.
A double-layer panelized vinyl canopy over the stage features embedded LEDs combined with a series of motion and audio sensors that interpret the activity on stage, presenting a customizable light show based on the activity occurring within. This allows the stage to be uniquely responsive to events during and after the Pan Am Games, such as award ceremonies or concerts.
(From competitor's text)
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