Metropol Parasol 

Hrithika Naik 

Study of the Structure

MODELS

Design Process

While designing a pavilion for reading, exhibiting and a working space, I thought of using five pillars of different heights as support thereby spreading the roof (lattice) for most part of the site but, the space felt a bit loaded and almost the whole site was being covered by the roof. There was no hierarchy of space in the design.

Working Models 

In my next iteration, I reduced the number of supports to four and experimented with the positioning of the habitable spaces. The structure footprint and the bulkiness was reduced. There was more open space.

Working Models

For my third iteration, I shifted to using three pillars and also changed the radius of each pillar. There was a better sense of space and the structure seemed lighter than before. 

Working Models 

Here, I was trying to create a reading space that would continue from the roof to the ground keeping the form of the lattice which would provide shade from the harsh heat coming from the south and also serve as a rack for shelving of books.

Final Design

Proceeding with this design, I incorporated three supporting mushroom like pillars over which the lattice roof spreads creating a free flowing form. The lattice also continues to the ground in the southern direction providing protection from the harsh heat of the sun. This part serves as a reading space and the lattice also shelves the books. The exhibition area located at the centre is the grandest part of the pavillion and to the north is the working space. 

In the morning, the light is soft and casts delicate patterns on the ground due to the lattice roof. As the day progresses, the light slips through the lattice into sharper, denser patches with crisp shadows. It creates layers of depth. This organic design now fulfills the ergonomics of the user efficiently.