the hybrid hut by rojkind arquitectos takes shape for warming huts

the hybrid hut by rojkind arquitectos takes shape for warming huts
photo by holly caruk/CBC news

warming huts is an open competition that encourages both established and emerging practices to design temporary structures to be constructed along the assiniboine river in the canadian city of winnipeg. for the 2015 edition of the event, acclaimed mexico-based practice rojkind arquitectos were invited to build a pavilion in addition to the competition’s three other chosen entries. named the ‘hybrid hut’, the complex timber structure invites skaters and other passersby to enter the pavilion’s relative warmth by ducking their head to enter. the region’s popular trail also features the pop-up restaurant ‘raw:almond’ and an art gallery on the ice designed by chris and kine artist collective. see designboom’s coverage of 2014’s winning design here.

the structure invites passersby to enter the pavilion’s relative warmth by ducking their head to enter
photo by holly caruk/CBC news

the design seeks to create new hybrids through the implementation computer-aided design in convergence with traditional craftsmanship. the continual evolution of technology in the industry puts into question the participation of artisans in the construction process, to the extent that trades are disappearing. the pavilion examines the role of contemporary design, and questions whether or not machinery can ever learn the skills acquired by craftspeople. conversely, the scheme considers if an accomplished worker can learn new processes through modern technology, and analyzes the ever-changing role of the architect.

some of the site’s first visitors enter the hut
photos by rojkind arquitectos

(left) photo by rojkind arquitectos, (right) photo by gerardo salinas

the project in its construction phase
photos by gerardo salinas

a project model illustrates the undulating nature of the scheme
photo by rojkind arquitectos