”Return to the soil” circular sensors
SANKEN, Osaka University
Story
The Growing Pavilion is an ode to biobased materials. It stands as a necessary and viable solution for reducing the rising impacts of climate change and the use of fossil resources.. By combining research and art, we brought our vision to life.
The pavilion is made up of five grown core raw materials: wood, residual flows from the agricultural sector, mycelium, cattail and cotton. With every material, we show the natural raw material as much as possible. We use them in a way to emphasize their own, distinctive identity. In this way, the pavilion acquires a unique, organic texture, color and experience. Besides showing the beauty and strength in the construction of the pavilion itself, we fill the interior of the pavilion with grown design objects to show how beautiful biobased furniture, lamps, cabinets and other objects are.
The Growing Pavilion was built on many years of research. We have documented and showcased our research process in different ways, aiming for full transparency. F.E. in the “Materials Atlas”, we share the collection of all materials found and used. But also in short animation and documentary videos. Through this, we wanted to show how far we could go, with the ambition to reach fully biobased creations. But also what the near future would bring. However, it takes more than good materials to make large-scale applications possible. Think of sufficient raw materials, appropriate regulations, innovative designers and open minded consumers. With The Growing Pavilion we also put this conversation on the agenda and facilitate this conversation, because this is essential to achieve the desired change in thinking and doing.
Materials are shown in such a way that they emphasize their beauty and strength as much as possible. People became curious about the special design and unknown use of materials. They asked questions and were drawn in, where we could tell them more about the materials, but also about the usefulness and necessity of biobased construction. By telling our story in many different ways, we have touched a wide audience in the head and in the heart. We introduced them to and made them think about biobased construction and design.
The producers and designers of the materials we use have become more widely known and have a broader network. They have seen interest in their material rise.
We still receive questions on a regular basis of students, designers and media about the creation process of the pavilion. The Growing Pavilion is subject in a large number of scientific, design, interior magazines.
Reception
Architizer – A+Award finalist in the Architecture+ New Materials category
STARTS Prize – Honorary Mention 2021
Dezeen Awards – Highly Commended: Small Building of The Year 2020
ARC20 – Innovatie Award
75.000 visitors at Dutch Design Week 2019
500.000 visitors at Floriade Expo 2022
Including policy makers, students, builders, banks, housing corporations, architects and daily visitors.