Coinciding with the Art Basel fair, Design Miami/ will draw prominent designers, gallerists, collectors, critics and curators from around the world for exhibitions, trade, networking, panels and lectures. When visitors arrive, they will be greeted by a massive structure that resembles an ancient, gnarled tree with its branches bent to the ground. The 3D printed pavilion, which arches over visitors while at the same time giving them places to sit and rest, is the result of a collaborative project led by SHoP Architects.
The New York City architectural firm was awarded the 2016 Panerai Design Miami/ Visionary Award, which Italian watchmakers Officine Panerai will present to them at the fair. In addition to being honored with the award, which recognizes significant contributions to the field of design, SHoP Architects has been commissioned to design a public plaza at the entrance to the fair. The firm, which has become known for unconventional architectural design and next-generation fabrication techniques, has come up with a giant pavilion, dubbed “Flotsam and Jetsam,” for the fair’s entrance.“SHoP is a place where people come together without any prescribed idea about what the esthetics of a building or public space should be, then we take complex problems and solve them with both beauty and technical proficiency,” said SHoP Founding Principal Gregg Pasquarelli. “Working with Design Miami has been a great experience and a perfect opportunity to explore the expressive possibilities of tomorrow’s architecture.”
SHoP has also enlisted partners Dassault Systèmes and Thornton Tomasetti to help manage the project. The installation will encompass all of the elements that make modern design technology like 3D printing so exciting: creative freedom, sustainable materials, large-scale production capabilities and more.
“SHoP represents exactly what the Panerai Design Miami/ Visionary Award is meant to recognize: innovation, inspiration and an outstanding point-of-view,” said Rodman Primack, Chief Creative Officer of Design Miami/. “For the first time, we will be installing the commission long-term in the Miami Design District and I cannot think of a better practice to conceive this installation. We are thrilled with the pavilion design and delighted to honor SHoP for the 12 th edition of Design Miami.”
Once Design Miami is over, the pavilion will be permanently installed in the Miami Design District’s Jungle Plaza as a space for outdoor cultural events. That space will be officially launched, in partnership with the Institute of Contemporary Art, Miami, next year alongside a community program aimed at bringing public sculptural art to the city. Discuss in the 3D Printed Pavilion forum at 3DPB.com.
[Sources/Images: designboom, reddit]