MPavilion 2022 welcomes guests to all(zone)'s vibrant waffle-like canopy

Vibrant MPavilion 2022 by all(zone)

MPavilion 2022 is now open to the public, welcoming visitors under a vibrant, textured canopy designed by all(zone), the Bangkok-based studio of Rachaporn Choochuey. Experimenting with materials and forms used for the first time in Australia, the female-led team created an electrifying and joyful space where visitors can interact with MPavilion’s thought-provoking and diverse programming, which is entering its ninth season. The waffle-like fabric pavilion was designed to celebrate nature, particularly the lush surroundings at Queen Victoria Gardens, Melbourne, and will be on view from Thursday, December 8, 2022, through Thursday, April 6, 2023.

MPavilion 2022 invites visitors under a bright orange textured canopy | image courtesy of MPavilion (head image courtesy of Naomi Milgrom Foundation)

a waffle-like pattern of colored fabrics

Popping like a splash of color within the green park, the MPavilion by all(zone) (find more here) features a canopy made up of three layers that explore the potential of fabrics and tensile architecture. The outer layer is made of fishing nets, which give the structure an eye-catching texture that defines its profile from afar.

The middle layer of the canopy is made of STFE membrane from French manufacturer Serge Ferrari. This fabric is as transparent as glass, but ten times lighter, reducing glare and making the MPavilion weatherproof. Finally, the bottom layer presents a waffle-like pattern of colored fabric made up of 48 individual sections that move with the wind and filter the light, giving the feeling of resting under trees.

the waffle-like fabric pavilion was designed to celebrate nature | image courtesy of all(zone) via @allzone.official

‘Working on the MPavilion project with so many talented individuals has been an incredible journey. MPavilion is special because even though it’s called a temporary pavilion, it’s actually even more complex than a building. The engineering and manufacturing have been a huge step forward for us in understanding the possibilities of fabric-based architecture.’ shares Rachaporn Choochuey, Design director of all(zone).

‘When I first met Rachaporn and her design team, I quickly realised that we shared goals of harnessing architecture and design to make the world a better place for the future. Focused on solutions for upcycling and reusing buildings, sites and materials, (all)zone’s lightweight interventions complement MPavilion’s vision of fostering dialogue on how design and architecture can help create better cities for the people who live in them.’ adds Naomi Milgrom AC founder of the Naomi Milgrom Foundation and commissioner of the MPavilion project.

the waffle-like pattern allows natural light to permeate the canopy | image courtesy of MPavilion

the paviion gives visitors the feeling of resting under trees | image courtesy of MPavilion

view of the MPavilion 2022 at night | image courtesy of all(zone) via @allzone.official

the canopy glows up in the dark | image courtesy of MPavilion

view under the canopy at night | image courtesy of MPavilion

the waffle-like pattern of colored fabric made up of 48 individual sections that move with the wind | image courtesy of all(zone) via @allzone.official