Edinburgh-based studio, Konishi Gaffney Architects, has won the competition to design a temporary pavilion for the Pop-Up Cities Expo. The Pop-Up Cities Expo is a headline event at Scotland’s Festival of Architecture, featuring pop-up pavilions at Mound Square from cities around Europe. Konishi Gaffney will be representing Edinburgh – the host of the expo - with their winning pavilion design.
The proposals were required to represent Edinburgh internationally, showcase the city – including its World Heritage Status – and reflect its location at the Mound Square.
Konishi Gaffney’s winning pavilion aims to provide a “snapshot” of Edinburgh, inspiring future generations of architects. The pavilion will be engineered by TALL engineers, fabricated by local artist and maker Johannes Sailer, and supported by several Scottish timber companies.
“Our idea is based on a folded origami form developed from thinking about the brief for a pop-up pavilion. The form is made from two pyramids laid back to back with three openings pulled out: one for the door, one for a fixed window and one for an opening window for ventilation,” said Kieran Gaffney of Konishi Gaffney Architects. “The proposal is innovative in its design and minimised the use of materials. Using locally sourced timber means a small carbon footprint and the pavilion is intended for re-use at other events and functions.”
The event and competition were organized by the City of Edinburgh Council, along with the Edinburgh Architectural Association (EAA), and will take place from June 17 to July 17 at the Mound Square in conjunction with The Festival of Architecture.
