Aluminum Facade for Korea Pavilion | Shanghai 2010 | Tactile Materials

Tactile Materials is an international company dedicated to the supply and production of customized metal cladding for architectural endeavors. One of the main uses for Tactile Materials are exterior wall claddings for institutional projects, such as the interior and exterior facades made in Tactile formed aluminum cladding, for the Korea Pavilion at the 2010 Shanghai World Expo.

The six-story structure was created to house the “Korean Experience” within the 2010 World Exposition. The exterior features the Korean alphabet in various sizes and transparencies in a collage offset with digitally printed metal panels. The interior features pixelated mountains and the Han River running through the exhibit area along with live performance venues, a VIP lounge, and restaurants.

A unique tension façade support system comprised of a thin net of vertical and horizontal rods reduce the visual massing of the support members. The two-sided composite cladding is finished on both sides with a high gloss architectural coating, while the inside surface of the cladding acts as a reflector for the LED lights within the wall cavity. Tactile utilized digital printing technology to recreate pixelated art images to support the architect’s design vision.

Tactile Materials supported the project during the stages of façade design, engineering, construction documents, visual and in situ mockups, procurement, production and Install-Assist for all façade elements.