Radius Transformation Pavilion: Redefining Interaction in Public Spaces

Rethinking the Role of Public Pavilions

Most public pavilions are often designed as if they were merely secondary elements in the architectural scene, placed in gardens and plazas without any real study of how people will use them. More often than not, the designer dictates what they deem appropriate, whether it’s a cramped shelter during rainfall or an exposed seating area under the scorching sun. In such cases, the space becomes defined for the user experience, rather than the other way around.

Radius Transformation Pavilion: Interaction and Engagement

Michael Jantzen’s Radius Transformation Pavilion presents a completely different approach. It is not just a beautiful structure admired from afar, but it transforms into an interactive space. Here, users become part of the design itself, able to reshape their surroundings with a gentle push or by moving the segments. This experience gives them a sense of control and participation, rather than being mere passive recipients of a predetermined design.

Kinetics and Interaction

The pavilion stands out with its unique design, offering a seamless interactive experience through six wedge-shaped steel segments branching out from a central column like the petals of a mechanical flower. Each segment is equipped with rubber wheels, making it surprisingly easy to move the pieces despite their large size.

Dimensional Dynamics and Comfort

Variations in dimensions play a key role in creating natural relationships between the segments, giving visitors the opportunity to explore the balance of spaces and different angles. Additionally, the integrated seating ensures comfortable spots to sit, enhancing the experience of contemplation and participation in reshaping the surrounding environment.

Flexibility in Reconfiguration

What is particularly striking is the pavilion’s continuous transformation with every adjustment made by its users. When the segments are pushed closer together, intimate and enclosed spaces form, ideal for private conversations or shelter from the elements. Conversely, when the segments are spread apart, the structure expands into a spacious gathering area, capable of accommodating larger groups.

Unlimited Possibilities

The potential multiplies as visitors explore different configurations, with new arrangements appearing unique each time. This dynamic adds an extra layer to the interactive architectural experience, transforming visitors from passive observers into active participants in shaping the space.

Light as a Variable Experience

Light becomes a dynamic element, responding to every movement made by the users. The large openings penetrating each segment create ever-changing patterns of shadow and illumination, continuously evolving as the structure transforms throughout the day.

Harmony of Shadow and Space

The interaction between solid surfaces and voids makes the pavilion appear different each time, even under the same lighting conditions. This phenomenon adds an extra dimension to the visitor experience, turning movement into a visual component that enriches architectural perception and makes each visit unique.

Sustainability and Self-Sufficiency

The solar panels mounted on the central column play a crucial role in powering artificial lighting after sunset, transforming the pavilion into a luminous beacon that remains functional throughout the day.

Structural Independence from Infrastructure

This sustainable technology eliminates the need for conventional electrical connections, enhancing the pavilion’s independence from infrastructure. As a result, this self-sufficient design is ideal for remote or temporary installations, operating efficiently without relying on external power sources.

Visual Impact and Kinetic Expression

The pavilion’s visual impact shifts dramatically depending on the current configuration of the segments. When the segments cluster tightly together, the pavilion transforms into a protective shell with metallic surfaces that catch and reflect surrounding light, creating a sense of safety and privacy.

Openness and Lightness

When the segments are arranged in a more open formation, the pavilion becomes an airy structure that seems to dance across the landscape, embodying astonishing lightness and agility. This variety in form allows visitors to experience constantly changing visuals, enhancing the sense of lively interaction with the surrounding space.

Flexibility and Adaptation in Architecture

Michael Jantzen points to the pavilion’s broader potential applications, suggesting that the segments could be enclosed to create temporary housing or specialized event spaces.

Architecture as a Living System

This flexibility reflects his belief that architecture should continuously adapt rather than remain frozen in a single form. In this context, the pavilion becomes a living system that grows and changes according to the needs of the surrounding community, providing an architectural experience characterized by dynamism and participation.

✦ ArchUp Editorial Insight

It can be said that the Radius Transformation Pavilion offers an innovative architectural experience in terms of interaction and flexibility, providing users with an unusual opportunity to participate in shaping the space, adding an undeniably engaging interactive dimension. On the other hand, the project remains limited in certain practical aspects: the reliance on movable segments requires ample space and effort from visitors to interact effectively, and it may not always be suitable for all environments or weather conditions. Additionally, the interactive experience is highly influenced by the number of users and their understanding of how to reshape the structure, resulting in unpredictable and varied outcomes from one visit to another. Overall, the pavilion showcases innovative design ideas, yet it leaves a mixed impression in terms of practical functionality and adaptation to the everyday use of public spaces.

Prepared by the ArchUp Editorial Team

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