The Kochi-Muziris Biennale is one of the most celebrated and vibrant international art exhibitions held in the city of Kochi (Kerala). The most inspiring space of the 2014 Biennale is the ‘Umbrella Pavilion,’ an auditorium-like structure that hosts workshops and talks under a distinctive origami-inspired design.
Designed by Architect Vinu Daniel, the visionary founder of Wallmakers, this open, earthy auditorium became more than just a pavilion for workshops and talks; it was a living symbol of sustainable and eco-friendly architecture and design. The Umbrella Pavilion stands as an architectural example of how design can be deeply rooted in nature and community.
The Umbrella Pavilion, with its earthy red tones mirroring Kerala’s laterite soil, unfolds like a living piece of art that breathes with its surroundings. Spanning 3,000 square feet and welcoming up to 250 people, the pavilion’s roof, spanning up to 28 metre roof dances in fluid, origami-like folds that rise and rest in poetic rhythm. Each origami-like fold gently converges into a single point, transforming into a stage and steps, a space where architecture, art, dialogue, and community naturally come together. More than just architecture, it stands as a celebration of creativity grounded in the soil, reflecting how design can nurture both people and place.
Built from humble, unconventional materials, the Umbrella Pavilion celebrates the beauty of resourcefulness and innovation. The roof frame and structure were inspired by the form of an umbrella, crafted using jute sacks and steel ribs, with concrete set delicately to form a sculptural shell that settles into gentle catenary curves. The woven layers of steel and jute create a dynamic framework that twists gracefully, allowing natural light through the interiors.
The characteristic element of the pavilion features a Jaali on the front façade, designed as a tribute to Ar. Laurie Baker, that gives an impression of cracks that open and spread out. Brick pillars line the space, forming a lattice-like enclosure that blurs the boundary between inside and out. The pavilion stands as a quiet reminder that sustainability can be as poetic as it is practical. The earthy brickwork of the façade allows air circulation, which offers both an aesthetic appeal and practical comfort—creating a unique visual experience that reflects the Biennale’s spirit of innovation and adventure.
The Umbrella Pavilion for the Kochi-Muziris Biennale 2014
Project name: Umbrella Pavilion for the Kochi-Muziris Biennale
Location: Kochi, Kerala
Architect: Vinu Daniel (Founder: Wallmakers)
Year: 2014
Photography: Wallmakers
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