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MPavilion design revealed: Take a first look at OMA's shape-shifting ampitheatre
POSTED 19 Jun 2017 . BY Kim Megson
A circular wooden base with a rotatable component allows the seating configuration to be altered Credit: MPavilion

We’re interested in treating this pavilion not just as an architectural object, but as something that injects intensity into a city
– Rem Koolhaas and David Gianotten
The organisers behind Melbourne’s annual MPavilion have officially revealed the design of the structure it is building for 2017: an adaptable amphitheatre created by OMA’s Rem Koolhaas and David Gianotten.

MPavilion 2017 “brings to life a flexible space that can function as a stage, tribune or even playground.” The design blurs the lines between inside and outside spaces by covering the amphitheatre with a semi-transparent floating roof. A circular wooden base with a rotatable component allows the seating configuration to be altered, creating different pockets of space for various activities to be held.

“MPavilion allows interaction from all angles and for the pavilion to open up to the backdrop of the city,” said a design statement. “With an exterior clad in bright and saturated local flora, the structure integrates with the landscape, contrasting with the excavated amphitheatre inside. Overhead, an aluminium cladded steel grid supports a translucent roof to shield visitors from the elements while still allowing sunlight to permeate.”

The temporary landmark and events hub, located in Melbourne’s Queen Victoria Gardens, will host a free programme of talks, workshops, performances and installations between 3 October and February 2018.

The MPavilion project began in 2014, and is inspired in part by the annual Serpentine Pavilion programme in London. The previous designers selected are Studio Mumbai (2016), AL_A (2015) and Sean Godsell Architects (2014).

Speaking about their involvement this year, Koolhaas and Gianotten said: “MPavilion is a project that hopes to provoke discussion around what architecture can do both globally and in an Australian context. We’re interested in treating this pavilion not just as an architectural object, but as something that injects intensity into a city and contributes to an ever-evolving culture.”

Construction is due to commence in August 2017.

A video showcasing the design can be viewed below:

MPavilion 2017 'brings to life a flexible space that can function as a stage, tribune or even playground' Credit: MPavilion
The design blurs the lines between inside and outside spaces by covering the amphitheatre with a semi-transparent floating roof Credit: MPavilion
The temporary landmark and events hub, located in Melbourne’s Queen Victoria Gardens, will host a free programme of talks and workshops Credit: MPavilion
RELATED STORIES
  Rem Koolhaas and David Gianotten revealed as designers of Melbourne's next MPavilion


Architects Rem Koolhaas and David Gianotten of international studio OMA have been announced as the high-profile designers of the 2017 MPavilion in Melbourne, Australia.
  AL_A creates weather-responsive forest in the city for Melbourne’s 2015 MPavilion


City dwellers in Melbourne will get to experience the sensation of being in a forest canopy thanks to a new temporary pavilion designed by Amanda Levete’s AL_A studio.
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Uniting the world of spa & wellness
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NEWS
MPavilion design revealed: Take a first look at OMA's shape-shifting ampitheatre
POSTED 19 Jun 2017 . BY Kim Megson
A circular wooden base with a rotatable component allows the seating configuration to be altered Credit: MPavilion
We’re interested in treating this pavilion not just as an architectural object, but as something that injects intensity into a city
– Rem Koolhaas and David Gianotten
The organisers behind Melbourne’s annual MPavilion have officially revealed the design of the structure it is building for 2017: an adaptable amphitheatre created by OMA’s Rem Koolhaas and David Gianotten.

MPavilion 2017 “brings to life a flexible space that can function as a stage, tribune or even playground.” The design blurs the lines between inside and outside spaces by covering the amphitheatre with a semi-transparent floating roof. A circular wooden base with a rotatable component allows the seating configuration to be altered, creating different pockets of space for various activities to be held.

“MPavilion allows interaction from all angles and for the pavilion to open up to the backdrop of the city,” said a design statement. “With an exterior clad in bright and saturated local flora, the structure integrates with the landscape, contrasting with the excavated amphitheatre inside. Overhead, an aluminium cladded steel grid supports a translucent roof to shield visitors from the elements while still allowing sunlight to permeate.”

The temporary landmark and events hub, located in Melbourne’s Queen Victoria Gardens, will host a free programme of talks, workshops, performances and installations between 3 October and February 2018.

The MPavilion project began in 2014, and is inspired in part by the annual Serpentine Pavilion programme in London. The previous designers selected are Studio Mumbai (2016), AL_A (2015) and Sean Godsell Architects (2014).

Speaking about their involvement this year, Koolhaas and Gianotten said: “MPavilion is a project that hopes to provoke discussion around what architecture can do both globally and in an Australian context. We’re interested in treating this pavilion not just as an architectural object, but as something that injects intensity into a city and contributes to an ever-evolving culture.”

Construction is due to commence in August 2017.

A video showcasing the design can be viewed below:

MPavilion 2017 'brings to life a flexible space that can function as a stage, tribune or even playground' Credit: MPavilion
The design blurs the lines between inside and outside spaces by covering the amphitheatre with a semi-transparent floating roof Credit: MPavilion
The temporary landmark and events hub, located in Melbourne’s Queen Victoria Gardens, will host a free programme of talks and workshops Credit: MPavilion
RELATED STORIES
Rem Koolhaas and David Gianotten revealed as designers of Melbourne's next MPavilion


Architects Rem Koolhaas and David Gianotten of international studio OMA have been announced as the high-profile designers of the 2017 MPavilion in Melbourne, Australia.
AL_A creates weather-responsive forest in the city for Melbourne’s 2015 MPavilion


City dwellers in Melbourne will get to experience the sensation of being in a forest canopy thanks to a new temporary pavilion designed by Amanda Levete’s AL_A studio.
MORE NEWS
The Retreat Costa Rica debuts Vida Mía Longevity Centre
Luxury wellness resort, The Retreat Costa Rica, has introduced its Vida Mía Longevity Centre at the property’s Vida Mía Healing Centre and Spa.
Almost half of spa survey respondents are unaware cancer is a disability and not adapting treatments is discrimination
A recent survey by the UK Spa Association (UKSA) into the industry’s approach to cancer care has revealed that almost half of participating respondents (46 per cent) are unaware that cancer is a disability and guests with a cancer diagnosis must be given
Solmar Hotels and Resorts offers Temazcal ceremony for Global Wellness Day
Mexican operator, Solmar Hotels and Resorts, is hosting a series of events in celebration of Global Wellness Day, including a Temazcal ceremony at its Playa Grande Resort and Spa in Los Cabos.
Mandarin Oriental announces standalone Mansions-branded residences for Abu Dhabi
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World Sauna Forum 2026

Savutuvan Apaja, Haapaniemi, Finland
09-12 Jun 2026

W3Spa EMEA

Hotel Cascais Miragem Health & Spa, Portugal
+ More diary  
 


ADVERTISE . CONTACT US

Leisure Media
Tel: +44 (0)1462 431385

©Cybertrek 2026

ABOUT LEISURE MEDIA
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LEISURE MEDIA HANDBOOKS
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