tomás amat estudio bases the cicada pavilion on insect morphology

tomás amat estudio bases the cicada pavilion on insect morphology
photography by david fruto

based on the morphology of an insect, the innovative structure called ‘the cicada’ have been designed by tomás amat and pablo belda of tomás amat estudio. located on the gardens of a former tobacco factory in alicante, spain. the large, external area  has been transformed into a cultural space where this distinctive addition offers a kiosk-bar and restaurant service.

the project is based on the morphology of the insect

measuring at a length of 25 meters, the structure is divided into three sections mimicking each part of the insect: head, body and tail. the three programs spanning the length of the cicada are differentiated by the contrasting materials. responding to programs, each form has been understood autonomously but forming a homogeneous whole. during the design process, materiality, geometry, functionality and uses of each of these three parts of the insect were taken into consideration to cater to the different uses.

innovative technology was utilized in the various applications of material

containing the technical, storage and kitchen spaces is ‘the head’ and the middle section with the colored metal bracing, contains the circulation space. ‘the tail’ is characterized by the organic, fluid timber weaving, like a skin, the tunnel serves as a canopy during the summer months. ‘we made an adjustment to the space in which we live. an insect adapted to the environment, one conceived and designed specifically for the cigar piece, which is not a space to use. it was not to make a normal cafe, but an exceptional work that would link with the surrounding cultural environment’ says pablo belda, project architect.

the space is divided into three areas of applications represented by each animal parts: head, body and tail

 the “tail” of the animal is a big piece of wood crochet designed by architects and built by the artist manolo garcia

the center of the facility reflects the body of the cicada, designed as space for space for the winter

at night the organic fluidity is highlighted by the light

the cicada at dusk

the timber, organic weaving

the scheme is located in the gardens of the former tobacco factory in alicante