Art and Science Assembled at Shhh Pavilion in San Diego

“Shhh Pavilion: Keeper of Hope” is a transformative blend of art, science, and nature in San Diego’s Research and Development District (RaDD). 

The renowned Chilean studio gt2P designed and built the pavilion. Their creative strategy, known as “paracrafting,” combines art, science, and cultural influences to produce striking public art, architecture, and design projects.

Story of the Shhh Pavilion

The sculpture-like Shhh Pavilion features an organic, shell-inspired form that invites exploration. The shape is referenced from the colonies of small crustaceans, known as picorocos, found along the coast of Chile. These creatures cling to rocks and other marine animals. These marine-themed paintings evoke fond memories of the artist’s childhood beach days, when happiness and hope felt limitless, inherent in nature. This interactive piece encourages viewers to reflect on the relationship between the natural world and human creativity.

Structure of the Shhh Pavilion

The pavilion was designed using polygonal tessellation, showcasing gt2P’s innovative approach to integrating cultural context into their work. The structure’s form resembles a creature’s shell, symbolizing the deep connection between humanity and nature in a way as simple as possible. It embodies hope and curiosity, echoing the boundless spirit of childhood exploration, where every moment at the beach feels like an adventure without end.

Where is the Shhh Pavilion?

The installation is part of a larger vision for Progress Park, a public space that connects life sciences with urban creativity. Spanning five city blocks, RaDD is a mixed-use district that combines cutting-edge technology, life sciences, and cultural landmarks, creating a dynamic environment for innovation and community engagement. This intersection of disciplines lies at the heart of the pavilion, merging the efforts of artists and scientists to create something entirely new.

The pavilion is one of a series of artworks commissioned by MIG, the landscape architecture and urban design firm overseeing the development of RaDD. The material is pre-cut gold anodized aluminum laser cut, designed to be folded and assembled by hand. Hopekeeper is among approximately 19 art installations throughout the area, all designed to enhance the park’s public appeal and waterfront experience. These works aim to transform the park into a vibrant cultural and intellectual hub by integrating the area’s natural beauty with artistic expression.

Through the Shhh Pavilion, gt2P has once again demonstrated its capacity for innovation in public art. The collective’s previous projects, including those in London and Miami, have received international acclaim, and “Hopekeeper” represents their ongoing commitment to using art as a medium for connection and reflection. This sculptural form combines environmental inspiration with mathematical precision, marking a significant milestone in San Diego’s evolving cultural landscape through waterfront revitalization.

Meet gt2P

Designers of the Shhh Project will be our guests for Design Tech-Talk. You can meet them and learn more with PAAcademy.

Design-Tech Talk 3.0 offers a digital panel to gather professionals to share their experiences through live presentations and interactive Q&A sessions. The panel will discuss the latest advancements in architecture, design innovation, and emerging tools and technologies that are reshaping industries today.

gt2p Studio will be one of our guest speakers on the panel. For more details about the event and registration, check out Design-Tech Talk 3.0

Learn with PAACADEMY: Check out the workshops at PAACADEMY to learn from the industry’s best experts how to use advanced parametric design tools, AI in design workflows, and computational design in architecture!