Vellum - breeze stage pavilion

Authors’ Comment

VELLUM
breeze stage pavilion

The design brief for event spaces within the Latvian festival held in the Sansusi forest focuses on the creation of two stages and a bar area, along with the accompanying furniture. These elements are intended for temporary and seasonal use and should be constructed from sustainable materials that are easy to assemble and disassemble, thereby also facilitating their storage.

The project received the 2nd prize in the Sansusi Sound Sculpture 2024 international architecture competition

CONCEPT

This proposal aims to create a striking wooden installation designed to enhance the festival experience through its aesthetic and functional qualities. Crafted from prefabricated wooden panels, all cut from large pieces of wood, Vellum aims to optimize material usage and reduce processing and assembly time. The design allows for easy assembly and disassembly while providing robust structural integrity.

The frame serves as a sculptural support for a dynamic curtain that mimics the sounds of nature, rustles like a forest, blending sounds and creating an immersive environment. Reflective modern materials and complementary colors help attendees navigate and recognize the festival’s focal points. This design seamlessly integrates with the surrounding landscape, creating a harmonious blend of architecture and environment.

The modular design approach, that allows for versatile placement and usage, refer to various components that cater to different needs of festival-goers. The main elements include two stages and a bar, each derived from the same construction system, and thus ensures that the structure can be tailored to different events and audience configurations.

ADAPTABILITY

The two stages are variations of the same construction system, designed to suit different audience placements and performance types. Their adaptable design makes them suitable for a wide range of concerts and shows: centrally oriented, with a radial audience or unidirectional, followed from a single perspective. The structure itself adapts to the terrain, allowing young trees to cross it or building around them

SUSTENABILITY
Vellum emphasizes sustainability through its use of treated, moisture-resistant, and fireproof plywood modules. By using prefabricated panels cut from a single piece of wood, the design minimizes waste and promotes efficient resource use. The modular furniture, including audience seating and bar components, highlights the project’s commitment to eco-friendly practices while providing durable and functional spaces for festival attendees.

The main material used is the recycled moisture resistant MDF board treated fireproof in the specific colors green and red, cut from large whole boards 1220x2440x18mm, which ensures longevity and stability in high-moisture areas. The cabinets will be made of simple plywood with the same thickness and natural appearance, due to the short time of use, the possibility of quick assembly and the reuse of the component parts.

MODULARITY
Seating Elements & Additional furniture

The bar area is a central gathering point, offering essential services through its own structure. Part of the same modular family, it attracts people and enhances the festival experience.

The seating modules can be configured as individual chairs or assembled into more complex setups, such as the main bar counter or a DJ booth area. This versatility ensures that the furniture can meet various functional requirements throughout the festival.