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
Global Wellness Day (GWD) marked its 15th anniversary on Saturday 13 June 2026, with the
theme: #JoyMagenta – a celebration of the healing qualities of simple gestures and activities
that spark joy.
Global luxury hospitality brand, Six Senses, has partnered with longevity healthcare provider,
HUM2N, to launch a clinic at Six Senses London, at The Whiteley.
As part of its first hotel partnership, Mayrlife – the medical health resort company known for its
site in Altaussee, Austria – has launched a day clinic at the Rosewood Vienna.
The Spa Life UK Convention returns from 21–23 June 2026 at Whittlebury Park Hotel, Spa &
Golf Resort, bringing together spa managers, directors and owners for two days of focused
education, meaningful connection and commercial insight. [more...]
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
Global Wellness Day (GWD) marked its 15th anniversary on Saturday 13 June 2026, with the
theme: #JoyMagenta – a celebration of the healing qualities of simple gestures and activities
that spark joy.
Global luxury hospitality brand, Six Senses, has partnered with longevity healthcare provider,
HUM2N, to launch a clinic at Six Senses London, at The Whiteley.
As part of its first hotel partnership, Mayrlife – the medical health resort company known for its
site in Altaussee, Austria – has launched a day clinic at the Rosewood Vienna.
Premium London health club, KX Chelsea, will imminently unveil its most significant
redevelopment since its launch in 2002 to create an integrated wellness model combining
training, recovery and relaxation.
Rosewood Le Guanahani St Barth, on the northeast coast of Saint Barthélemy in the French
West Indies, is offering a programme of ocean-inspired yoga classes between 8-14 June to
celebrate Global Wellness Day (GWD).
The Spa Life UK Convention returns from 21–23 June 2026 at Whittlebury Park Hotel, Spa &
Golf Resort, bringing together spa managers, directors and owners for two days of focused
education, meaningful connection and commercial insight. [more...]
