Capitals’ of Europe in 2008 and the city wanted to promote the innovative use of sustainable timber in contemporary architecture in the public domain through a design competition. The French-Norwegian team, AWP + AtelierOslo took home first prize and constructed their 140 sq meter, timber-framed pavilion right in the heart of the city. The timber beams reflect the older architecture, while the glass is a nod to the newer construction. Large timber oak beams embedded in the concrete base are bolted together to form criss-crossing columns, which support the sculptural, geometric, wood frame. Glass covers the entire wood frame like slate tiles on a roof and each glass panel is printed with a translucent pattern, which reflects down onto the ground. The glass roof allows daylight to stream into the space during the day and provides a protected space for people to meet. At night, interior lighting reflects off the glass and makes the pavilion glow like a lantern.
The pavilion is on tour and can be seen at the Scandinavia House in New York City through the Nordic Models + Common Grounds exhibition.
