floating pavillon of reflections erected at manifesta 11

floating pavillon of reflections at manifesta 11 is built entirely from wood

the ‘pavillon of reflections’ is a floating platform erected on lake zurich for manifesta 11, a roving european biennial of contemporary art. the buoyant architecture comprises an open-air cinema and an integrated swimming pool, offering space for dialogue and reflection throughout the event’s 100-day duration. ‘in the daytime, the pavillon of reflections will function as an urban island, a meeting place and open-air swimming area, while at night it will turn into an open-air cinema,’ explains biennial curator christian jankowski.

the floating platform has been erected on lake zurich for manifesta 11
all images by wolfgang träger

the ‘pavillon of reflections’ was designed and constructed by studio tom emerson, ETH zürich, especially for manifesta. the concept responds to jankowski’s call for a pavilion outfitted with an LED screen, spectator seats, a pool, and a bar. in addition to the design process, production techniques have also had a profound effect on the ultimate character of the scheme, which is constructed entirely from wood.

the buoyant structure comprises an open-air cinema and an integrated swimming pool

various film screenings and the remainder of the public program are supplemented during the day by the open-air swimming area. this pool is bordered by a stand for spectators, which is used for cinema seating during evening hours. meanwhile, a large LED screen communicates with the city, and locates the pavilion on the surface of the lake. an adjacent bar provides both swimmers visitors with drinks and snacks.

the temporary pavilion offers space for dialogue and reflection

‘our team represents all the relevant areas of architectural production. from the development of the concept, through detailed planning and construction of 1:1 models, to logistical organization and documentation with our own little newspaper, in which the project is addressed from a variety of perspectives,’ explains boris gusic of the ETH studio tom emerson.

‘pavillon of reflections’ was designed and constructed by studio tom emerson, ETH zürich

the documentary films are produced in co-operation with students and graduates of the cast/audiovisual media department at the ZHdK. christian jankowski is artistic director for the films. the students, under the guidance of martin zimper, will be working together with former students. the core team includes marwan abdalla, miloš saviç, remo schluep. these contributions will be moderated by zurich high-school students, who will accompany manifesta 11 as ‘art detectives’. see designboom’s previous coverage of the project here.

the brief called for a pavilion outfitted with an LED screen, spectator seats, a pool, and a bar