RADIAL Public Summer Pavilion

Centering on themes of sustainability, community, and urbanity, the temporary Summer Pavilion at Principal Place acts as a marker for the development and provides a shaded place to gather in the outdoor plaza. The pavilion’s legacy has been considered from the earliest stages of the design process. It is built from recycled construction materials, which will be put back into circulation or repurposed at the end of its life.

Curved wooden benches are made from refashioned scaffolding boards and support a series of tall flagpoles, which are made from metal scaffolding. Flags in tones of red, blue and white are arranged in a radial pattern above, communicating the rising temperature data over the past 100+ years. Taking inspiration from ‘Warming Strip’ by Professor Ed Hawkins (University of Reading). [1] The pavilion offers a space for pause and reflection while embodying a more sustainable way of designing and building.

Concept

Illustrating the enduring collaboration between Brookfield and Foster + Partners, Radial builds upon the key themes collaboratively explored during the 2023 Ecocity Summit on Sustainability and the Built Environment.

The pavilion embodies the concept of sustainability by envisioning a life beyond its own existence. It seeks to redefine the narrative surrounding temporary structures, shifting focus from the lifespan of buildings to the lifecycle of materials.

The Pavilion serves as a focal point on the plaza, fostering community engagement while prioritising environmental consciousness. Constructed from readily available and reusable materials, the building embodies principles of the circular economy. Scaffolding forms the primary structure, designed for reuse at various sites across London. The fabric panels, which provide shade and dynamic movement, will be repurposed into tote bags for distribution within the local neighbourhood. Additionally, the timber used for seating will be donated to community workshops for use in local projects, ensuring a sustainable and community-centric approach.

Two primary themes underpin this year’s temporary summer pavilion: community and reuse.

Community: Embracing the theme of community, the pavilion activates the plaza at Principal Place, offering a welcoming space for rest, interaction, and contemplation. Designed as a landmark, it draws attention and encourages public engagement, transforming the space into a hub for communal gatherings. The architectural design, characterised by billowing fabric panels, not only adds vibrancy and energy but also provides practical benefits such as shelter and shade. It exemplifies the versatility of public spaces designed by Foster + Partners, capable of accommodating various interventions to suit community needs.

Circular Economy: Recognising the typically short lifespan of pavilions, the design prioritises sustainability from the outset. By selecting materials conducive to temporary construction, such as scaffolding, longevity is ensured and waste is minimised. The repurposing of materials, such as converting fabric panels into tote bags and donating timber for local projects, exemplifies our commitment to the principles of the circular economy. This approach ensures that every component of the pavilion contributes to a sustainable and environmentally conscious endeavour, leaving a positive legacy beyond its temporary presence.

[1] https://showyourstripes.info/

Bio

About Architects Foster + Partners

Foster + Partners is a global studio for sustainable architecture, urbanism, engineering and design, founded by Norman Foster in 1967. With offices across the world, the practice works as a single entity that is both ethnically and culturally diverse, with people central to all our endeavours.