Uniting Design
Standing over 25 feet high and almost 100 feet long, this "pavilion of the future" has been center stage on the Goetheplatz Plaza in Frankfurt for the past year. Designed to reinvigorate this plaza and provide a meeting place for the surrounding community, this unique temporary structure is providing a space for exhibitions, talks, and workshops.
The pavilion, comprised of a European beech framework, is protected from the elements by a façade made of Scobalit, a material similar to fiberglass. The translucent building acts as a beacon on the square – sun flooding the interior with light during the day and at night, the illuminated rectangle shines out over the entire square.
All fixtures are made from BauBuche beams and boards right down to the floor. BauBuche beams are a laminated veneer lumber that bonds many thin-sliced layers of wood parallel to the grain, providing a high strength building product. It is ideal for projects like this, where heavy loads and large spans can be included in the design. "BauBuche is incredibly stable which means slim sections are possible," explained Ian Shaw, the Frankfurt-based designer.
"This creates a harmonious impression with the timber frame structure which is also made of the same material. We wanted to show as much wood as possible," says Ian Shaw in describing the design process. To enable the structure to be reassembled at a later date, only plug and screw connections were to be used.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the Goetheplatz pavilion in Frankfurt?+
It is a temporary 'pavilion of the future' standing over 25 feet high and almost 100 feet long on the Goetheplatz Plaza in Frankfurt. It was designed to reinvigorate the plaza and provide a community meeting place for exhibitions, talks, and workshops.
What materials were used to build the Goetheplatz pavilion?+
The pavilion has a European beech framework protected by a façade made of Scobalit, a material similar to fiberglass. All interior fixtures, including the floor, are made from BauBuche beams and boards.
What is BauBuche and why was it chosen for the pavilion?+
BauBuche is a laminated veneer lumber that bonds many thin-sliced layers of wood parallel to the grain, creating a high-strength building product. It was chosen because its stability allows slim sections and supports heavy loads and large spans.
Who designed the Frankfurt pavilion?+
The pavilion was designed by Frankfurt-based designer Ian Shaw.
How does the Goetheplatz pavilion appear at night?+
The translucent Scobalit façade lets sunlight flood the interior during the day, and at night the illuminated rectangle shines out over the entire square, acting as a beacon.
How is the Goetheplatz pavilion designed to be reassembled later?+
To enable the structure to be taken apart and reassembled at a later date, the design uses only plug and screw connections.