kinetic mirror pavilion's living facade rhythmically reflects french monument for paris 2024

人: The Proscenium of Ephemeral Reflections

人: The Proscenium of Ephemeral Reflections, by González Serrano Studio+ & J-AF Architecture, is an architectural intervention within a French National Monument, creating a theatrical performative space inspired by movement and the 2024 Olympic Games. The installation, constructed from 572 3D printed pieces, CNC-cut wood structures, and nearly 600 laser-cut mirrors, transforms a courtyard into an interactive stage.

The design, titled ‘人’ (person), emphasizes movement and rhythm as fundamental aspects of artistic creation. The term ‘proscenium’ refers to the space between the audience and the curtain (facade), here reinterpreted as the Court d´Honneur, the transitional space between the public and the monumental. The project decomposes the context into a performative space, with a scenographic backdrop generating rhythm within the courtyard.

all images by ©photoarchitecture unless stated otherwise

Kinetic Facade Transforms Monument into Interactive Stage

This reflective facade invites passers-by into the space, guiding them across a red carpet to the center of the action. The installation constructed by González Serrano Studio+ and J-AF Architecture encourages interaction, making the courtyard a stage where the movements of people become the performance. The opposing surfaces of the structure evoke movement and blur the lines between built and unbuilt spaces, emphasizing the person as the origin of movement and rhythm.

The installation’s multi-scalar rhythm invites visitors to engage with the space, dance, and photograph it from various perspectives. The moving patterns, likened to a symphony or poem, create different visual effects as they reflect the surroundings. The seven distinct geometries of the pieces form a dynamic, rhythmic composition that changes with the passing day, expressing the diurnal rhythm.

人: The Proscenium of Ephemeral Reflections by González Serrano Studio+ & J-AF Architecture

González Serrano Studio+ & J-AF Architecture build 人 pavilion

Constructed entirely with digital manufacturing techniques, the project showcases the potential of modern technology in architecture. The kinetic facade, composed of 572 laser-cut acrylic pieces with mirror finishes, is attached to the CNC-shaped eucalyptus wood structure using 3D printed recycled PLA components. These elements allow the pieces to move freely in the wind, creating rhythmic reflections that highlight specific details of the historic monument.

This installation rethinks the use of contemporary technology to produce innovative architectural forms, optimizing resources, and reducing the CO2 footprint. The kinetic facade brings the courtyard to life, framing the historical monument and enhancing the visitor’s awareness of its significance and beauty.

an intervention within a French National Monument, inspired by movement and the 2024 Olympic Games

the installation features 572 3D printed pieces, CNC-cut wood structures, and nearly 600 laser-cut mirrors

the design, titled ‘人’ (person), emphasizes movement and rhythm as key aspects of artistic creation

moving patterns create different visual effects, likened to a symphony or poem, as they reflect the surroundings

two surfaces evoke movement, blurring the lines between built and unbuilt | image by ©González Serrano Studio+

installation’s multi-scalar rhythm invites visitors to engage with the space | image by ©González Serrano Studio+

the kinetic facade, made of acrylic pieces and mirrors, moves in the wind | image by ©González Serrano Studio+

the project is constructed entirely with digital manufacturing techniques | image by ©González Serrano Studio+

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image courtesy of ©González Serrano Studio+

 

 

image courtesy of ©González Serrano Studio+

image courtesy of ©González Serrano Studio+

image courtesy of ©González Serrano Studio+

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floorplan

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exploded isometric view

project info:

name: 人: The Proscenium of Ephemeral Reflections
architects: Álvaro González Serrano – González Serrano Studio+ | @gonzalezserrano.studio , Jennyfher Alvarado Figueroa – J-AF Architecture | @jaf.architecture

organization: Festival des Architectures Vives

main sponsor: Universidad Europea de Madrid

location: Hotel de Lunas (National Monument) 10 Rue de la Valfere, Montpellier, France

photography: photoarchitecture, Álvaro González Serrano – González Serrano Studio+

structure: CNC-Shaped 21mm poplar plywood with eucalyptus finishing

facade: 572 Acrylic Laser cut pieces (Mirror, transparent and translucent)

joinery: 572 3D Printed pieces (Recicled PLA) and screws

light: Custom LED Lamp 1500lum

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom