Rem Koolhaas and David Gianotten of OMA have unveiled their performative installation for Australia's MPavilion 2017, commissioned by The Naomi Milgrom Foundation - the temporary structure will be erected in Melbourne’s Queen Victoria Gardens between October 3, 2017 - February 4, 2018. Inspired by ancient amphitheaters, OMA's pavilion will trigger public debates, design workshops, music and arts events with its dynamic and performative design, removing the boundaries between inside and outside and between audience and performer.

Video by MPavilion

The MPavilion - composed of different fragmented pieces to act in different ways - features both static and dynamic elements, allowing for multiple configurations in order to generate unexpected programming. The pavilion creates a flexible civic space that can function as a stage, auditorium or even playground.

"MPavilion is a project that hopes to provoke discussion around what architecture can do both globally and in an Australian context. We’re interested in treating this pavilion not just as an architectural object, but as something that injects intensity into a city and contributes to an ever-evolving culture," said Rem Koolhaas and David Gianotten.

"OMA’s exciting design engenders a theatre for ideas with Melbourne as its backdrop. MPavilion 2017 will be extremely different to previous years, with a designated yet flexible stage enabling all kinds of cross-pollinated activity. Working with Rem, David and the OMA team is an extraordinary privilege, and I look forward to seeing them bring MPavilion 2017 to life with their multi-faceted intelligence and vision," added Naomi Milgrom AO, MPavilion founder.

The pavilion’s ground surface is shaped by two tribunes, one fixed, the other movable, which together determine the setup of the performance space. The larger static tribune is excavated from the surrounding landscape and embedded in 12 different species of Australian flora, giving a sense of the local setting. The smaller tribune can rotate, allowing it to shift functions from seating to stage and blur the distinction between actor and audience.

The main infrastructure of the pavilion, such as lighting and curtains, is placed in the overarching canopy, a 2-meter-high mechanical grid structure made of aluminum cladded steel. The mechanics in the canopy can be activated per the type of event taking place; an open-air venue for performances, entertainment and sports. 

Existing of both static and dynamic elements, the pavilion allows for many configurations and can generate unexpected programming, echoing the ideals of the typology of the amphitheater. With the city as a backdrop, the MPavilion provokes discussion on Melbourne, its development, and its surroundings.

The construction of MPavilion is expected to start in August. The structure will be on view between October 3, 2017 - February 4, 2018, then it will later be moved to a permanent new home within Melbourne's City Centre.

David Gianotten will attend to the Living Cities Forum 2017, presented by the Naomi Milgrom Foundation on Thursday 27 July, 2017.

All images © OMA 

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