kengo kuma's undulating owan pavilion blends architecture and nature

kengo kuma’s undulating owan pavilion blends architecture and nature
all images © kkaa / galerie philippe gravier 

as part of the design at large program at design miami/basel 2016, galerie philippe gravier presents ‘owan’ by japanese architect kengo kuma. the project seeks to create a harmonious relationship between architecture and landscape. in response to the parisian gallery’s ongoing ‘small nomad house project’, kuma has devised a nomadic, removable, sustainable, and zigzag-shaped dwelling that blends interior and exterior space.

drawing from the aesthetic of traditional japanese tea bowls and fish scales, ‘owan’ introduces a variety of spatial experiences for those it surrounds. its metal shell has an undulating and adjustable edge that allows it to seamlessly blend with its environment, while it is light enough to subtly and softly move in the wind. lined with a waterproof membrane, the pavilion’s framework is structurally malleable — upon application of heat, a memory alloy allows the form to bend to a desired manipulated position. ‘owan’ sees technical and aesthetic innovation come together to embody an ‘urban revolution’, where interactive technology, micro-architecture and architectural performance meet.

the project seeks to create a harmonious relationship between architecture and landscape

the shell has an unclear edge that merges the metal with the natural environment

the dwelling is nomadic, removable and sustainable

‘owan’ is presented at design miami/basel 2016 by galerie philippe gravier

the form is drawn from the aesthetic of traditional japanese tea bowls and fish scales

‘owan’ creates a variety of spatial experiences for those it surrounds 

its metal shell has an undulating edge that allows it to seamlessly blend with the environment

the structure is light enough to subtly and softly move in the wind

lined with a waterproof membrane, ‘owan’s’ framework is structurally malleable 

upon application of heat, the form bends to a desired, manipulated position

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