Lignum-Pavilion

At a glance

Project by: Frei + Saarinen Architects
Location: Multi-City, Switzerland

Preview image

Lignum-Pavilion (Frei + Saarinen Architects)

© Stefan Wülser

Project images

	Lignum-Pavilion © Stefan Wülser View project image
	Lignum-Pavilion © Stefan Wülser View project image
	Lignum-Pavilion © Stefan Wülser View project image
	Lignum-Pavilion © Stefan Wülser View project image
	Lignum-Pavilion © Stefan Wülser View project image

Architect's statement

Lignum is the Swiss information centre concerning the use of wood.

Frei + Saarinen Architekten were asked to design an exhibition pavilion that shows a contemporary use of wood for architectural purposes. In other words: The pavilion is not merely a frame for an exhibition but works as a sculptural object that makes possible to experience wood with all senses.

But you can also say that the purely computer-modelled Pavilion is not more than a walkable pile of 20 layers that consist of 50mm-thick planes and vertical elements of 130mm height. Similar to a pixelated image, these 20 layers form an architectural body that leads the visitors through an architectural promenade in the shape of a spatial "figure eight".

All 541 wooden pieces are cut by a cnc mill. The pavilion will be used ten times during the period of three years. It will be shown at the "Swissbau 2010" fair in Basel, too (12.01.2009-16.01.2009).