francis kéré installs bamboo and stone pavilion within palazzo courtyard

francis kéré installs bamboo and stone pavilion within palazzo courtyard
image © designboom

on the occasion of milan design week, berlin-based architect francis kéré has created a pavilion ’courtyard village’ sited in the courtyard of palazzo litta. the installation is a conceptual interpretation of a typical african village; defined by an elevated platform surrounded by a landscape of wild grass.

the concept of stacking is reinterpreted to underscore the lightness and potential of stone as a building material
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created as a transparent and open structure, the inviting pavilion welcomes visitors who are there to view the exhibition: ‘a matter of perception: tradition and technology’. capped with a single canopy made of bamboo and wild grass, this roofing provides shade, while three open, circular shelters made of stone sits atop the platform.

the pavilion is situated at the entrance to the exhibition ‘a matter of perception: tradition and technology’
image © designboom

the use of stone highlights the natural material as both a primitive and innovation building component. ‘you see the surroundings and the surroundings see you. while you’re there to meet friends and acquaintances, you stay connected to the area. the pavilion is open, not rigid; it is informal, like the human mind should be. I want visitors to immediately feel comfortable and at ease’ comments kéré.

the structure is surrounded by a bed of wild grass
image © designboom

 the installation is an homage to the architect’s roots in gang, burkina faso and is intended as a place of relaxation and socialisation in-between events during the week of salone.

placed atop an elevated platform, the space is dedicated for meeting and relaxation in-between events
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the design takes cues from the social and spatial dynamics of a typical african village
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a canopy of bamboo protects and shades the pavilion below
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model by francis kéré architects

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