EXHIBITION ROAD AVIARY PAVILION
Client
Public
Location
London, UK
Year
2021
Stage
Open Competition
Design Team
Lei Guo, Chiara Toscani, Maria Belen Iliev, Roberto Lopato
SEE THROUGH V&A NEW ENTRANCE ON EXHIBITION ROAD
Post-pandemic Era:
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In response to the Royal Commission for the Exhibition of 1851 and to rejuvenate tourism in the post-pandemic era, the new Bamboo Aviary aims to foster public interest in biodiversity by creating an interconnected habitat for various wildflowers and horticultural species. By selecting a site in front of the V&A Museum’s new entrance on Exhibition Road, our scheme seeks to make an ecological statement in the public realm as an architectural addition to the magnificent Victorian museum known for its architectural brilliance.​​​​​​​​​​​
Architectural Inspiration:
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​Inspired by the iconic Snowdon Aviary at London Zoo, designed by Lord Snowdon and Cedric Price, the proposed pavilion will provide new perches for birds and butterflies using eco-friendly, zero-carbon recycled building materials, specifically bamboo. The Bamboo Aviary utilizes parametrically generated geometry to create interwoven tensegrity layers that host a variety of wildflowers and plants. These layers will also serve as future nesting areas for birds and butterflies. This initiative will enhance wildflower coverage and promote pollinator-friendly plants in the local area, adding a new feature to the existing network of pollinators that connect the green spaces and essential habitats in Kensington and Chelsea.
01_Initial Curves Setup
02_Platform & Benches
03_Bamboo Structural Walls
04_Connection Between Wall B & C
05_Connection Between Wall A & B
06_Interwoven Nesting Rope Roof
DESIGN CONCEPT - GEOMETRY SETUP PRINCIPLE
RECYCLED BAMBOO WALK-IN AVIARY - ON EXHIBITION ROAD
INSIDE AVIARY PAVILION
INSIDE AVIARY PAVILION
Bamboo Material Using: Regenerative Design Principles:
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In response to this year's Care for the Environment theme, we chose recycled bamboo as our primary building material for the three vertical curvy structural walls rooted within the base platform.
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To enhance the structural walls' load-bearing capacity, a common connection with lashing ties at bamboo joints will be applied. These ties are also made of organic material and, therefore, provide optimal compatibility between the elements of the construction system.
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The interwoven tensile roof layers will comprise bamboo ropes made of twisted bamboo fibres. These ropes are more wear-resistant than standard ropes. With a tensile strength of 720 kp/cm³, a rope of an arm's thickness can bear up to 14 tons, which will ideally bear the weight of plant soil.
EAST ELEVATION - LOOK TOWARDS NATURE AND HISTORY MUSEUM