Every once in a while I will see something which makes me look at things in a different way. More often than not this occurs when I witness a clever reinterpretation of a conventional subject (or an object), a simple idea executed beautifully which redefines everyday concepts. Oh how I love when this happens. I feel like my horizon expands and my design vision extends. Perhaps this is because my design vision is so short sighted with much room for improvement? Who knows.

Anyway… This was precisely the feeling I got when I saw the 2011 ECO Pavilion in Mexico City. I mean seriously – how friggin clever?! It is just a whole bunch of rope interwoven through a single space. How amazing can it be? Well, turns out it can be pretty bloody amazing.

Each year, the ECO Experimental Museum in Mexico City organises a competition for its temporary pavilion, and this year the winning design was dreamed up by estudio MMX. A little bit of trivia for you guys –  The Eco Museum was built in 1952–53 by a German sculptor Mathias Goeritz. It is considered to be among the best works of Mexican architecture from that period, even though it was designed by someone who wasn’t even an architect. (Yeah… Take THAT architects! In you face dudes! Ummm… KIDDING! Geez, relax guys.)

 


What I love about this ‘pavilion’ is that it isn’t treated as a separate structure – instead it is woven through with the original museum architecture, making it appear as though it was always meant to be there. This free flowing, three-dimensional surface creates a permeable vail of varying densities that reconfigures and redefines the spatial quality of the courtyard. The dynamic nature of the screen means that the space changes constantly, especially when overlaid with ever-changing patterns of shadows cast by the sun.

Pure magic.

Oh, and how quirky is the photography?! And that crazy Mexican dude balancing on shadows in top image? Is it just me, or is that friggin’ hilarious?!

[Images © Yoshihiro Koitani.]

P.S. I just wanted to say a huuuuge THANK-YOU for all your encouraging e-mails, messages and tweets regarding yesterday’s post, and for all your wonderful comments. I am seriously overwhelmed by your response and your generosity of spirit. I am (almost) speechless. Thank you so much again. Your support means the world to me. It may or may not have brought a little tear to my eye… Yes, I’m pretty gay like that.



About The Author

Founder & Editor

With a disarming blend of authority and approachability, Dana is a former refugee-turned-global design visionary. Through her multi-faceted work as a creative director, keynote speaker, editor, curator, interior designer and digital publisher, Dana empowers others to appreciate and engage with design in transformative ways, making the sometimes intimidating world of design accessible to everyone, regardless of their familiarity with the subject. Dana's been catapulted to the status of a stalwart global influencer, with recognition from industry heavyweights such as AD Germany, Vogue Living, Elle Décor Italia and Danish RUM Interiør Design, who have named as one of the Top True Global Influencers of the Design World and counted her among the most visionary female creatives on the planet. Her TEDx talk—"Design Can Change the Way You See the World"— will challenge and transform your understanding of design's omnipresent and profound influence. Through her vast experience in interiors, architecture and design, Dana challenges the prevailing rapid image culture, highlighting the importance of originality, sustainability, connecting with your values and learning to "see" design beyond the aesthetic.

11 Responses

  2. Ella {moleskine.}

    Beautiful! I’m ever so slightly obsessed with string & rope myself these days so I love this.

    By the way, congratulations on the new life changes. You have an amazing eye (in fact, you are my blogging idol) so I’m sure there are great things ahead for you.

    Reply
  4. Oliver @ Sabi Style

    Yeah I am not alone – Like Ella I have a love for string. So happy days for me to see this!

    This is just so beautiful. I am in love with the clean simplicty. Without all the bells and whistles to get in the way you are left with design that has to stand on it own two feet and speak for itself. Or in this case sing!

    Just love it!

    And the fact that they have a sense of humour just makes it even better!

    Reply
  7. AA

    Dear Dana,
    I recently started reading your blog and would like to commend you on your blogging style: fun, optimistic, laid back and so inspiring.
    The above is beautiful. Thanks for posting.
    AA

    Reply

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