The pavilion is conceived as a material system formed by 56 doubly curved timber frames filled with perforated mycelium panels. The doubly curved timber frames are formed first and used as a substrate for the growth of mycelium in a controlled environment. When the mycelium is ready, the panels are assembled on site to form 8 arches that together compose the final shell structure.
In the context of Bedford Square, the pavilion operates as an enclosure to host small gatherings in the interior while the exterior serves as a backdrop and stage for speeches and presentations. The geometry emerges from an irregular grid that blends the geometry of the garden fencing and the square pavement. The pavilion turns its back to road traffic while facing the garden as well as providing shading from south sunlight.
The perforations allow for light penetration and ventilation and the two entrances facilitate the flow of users. In the broader context of the possible applications of the material system in rebuilding post-conflict zones, the proposal aims to break down self-standing timber shell structures into discrete panels that allow for the off-site growth of the mycelium panels.
