SOMBRA (by MVRDV), Venice, Italy
The SOMBRA pavilion is a showcase of innovative technology, featuring a kinetic shading system that operates exclusively on passive physical principles, without the need for electronics or motors. Its shape is inspired by heliodons, instruments used to simulate the path of the sun, and its name, according to its designers, is a result of the Latin words "sol" and "umbra": SOMBRA (shape in Spanish).
Architecture: MVRDV (Founding partner in charge: Jacob van Rijs; Partner: Bertrand Schippan; Design Team: Yayun Liu, Alberto Carro Novo; Text: Jessica Cullen; Copyright MVRDV Winy Maas Jacob van Rijs Nathalie de Vries) Collaborators: Co-engineering, production, assembly, testing, installation: Metadecor Research and production actuation: AMOLF Institute Anodizing: Alumet Mechanical engineering, colour and sunlight studies: ARUP Bending: Kersten Europe Structural engineering: Van Rossum Raadgevend Ingenieurs Photos: Federico Vespignani, Jaap Heemskerk |