wieriorra hopp architekten

SCHUNCK* pavilion
The Schunk* pavilion, touring in the Euregio, is connecting Netherlands, Belgium and Germany. Three elements built a flexible form for multiple cultural purposes.
Mobility and Transportation of the pavilion is shown not only literally: the main structure is based on three reused over sea containers which can be positioned in three different forms:
Y-constellation, U-constellation and a 3-triangle-constellation.
One Side of each Container is opened to connect the interior with the exterior space. The interior can be seen from outside, the room gets day light, and also becomes an extension to the environment. It also can function as a stage. The opening can be covered by conventional truck tarpaulin. All three basic forms define an outdoor space which can be used as a forum for lectures, to enlarge the exhibit space, and for any other presentation. The building is taken off the floor. It is constructed with standard fixtures for trucks. The structure becomes a floating appearance.
Route configuration depends on the constellation how the containers are being put together: The Y-form has three exhibition spaces meeting in the center. The end of each container with their standard doors can be opened for access or be closed when the open side of one container is the entrance hall. The form spreads out into the environment and offers three very open outside spaces to three different sides. The U-form provides an half opened forum, where the main entrance could be from the interior place. When the forum wants to be more concentrated, the access could be on the other side or at the end of the containers. The Triangle-form is like a loop providing an intimate forum. Two containers are opened to the center, one container-opening faces the outside and can be used as an entrance hall.
Interior floor, walls and ceiling are out of white painted wooden panels which also could be used as freestanding displays to organise the room in smaller spaces. The open sides of the containers provide the interior with daylight. Artificial light is installed in a very dense row of neon tubes under the ceiling. The truck tarpaulin can be used to close the open sides of the containers (for example for transportation, safety reasons or weather condition).
The joints are like the container out of used profiled sheeting and a new steel construction. Their concave or convex forms allow to connect the containers in the Y,U an 3 – constellation. Flexible stairs remark the entrances but also can be used as a platform for sitting and watching presentations. The stair system and the railings are a conventional scaffold construction. Accessibility for handicapped people is guaranteed by a mobile “scissorramp”. The stairs are light weight aluminium structures. The main materials are recycled and reused. The technique to bring the containers into their final position comes with the transportation-truck therefore further technical equipment is not needed. Textile sails can be installed to shade the outdoor spaces and the forum.
The design is a symbol for transportation, flexibility, the rhythm of three – connecting three countries and a million of ideas…





