Impermanence
Abu Dhabi Art Pavilion Prize Winner
November 2021In collaboration with Jennifer Tsai and Roudhah Al Mazrouei
with mentors Goffredo Puccetti, Felix Beck, and Matt Karau
Impermanence is an iconic, fully sustainable pop-up structure that is designed to completely disappear after it is used. In order to achieve this goal, it uses only ready-made and recyclable materials: reused scaffolding, and “living” canvas that will receive a second life by being transformed into tote bags, wallets, and other merchandise. The structure encourages participation from the visitor by allowing people to take a piece of the pavilion home with them. The pavilion was designed and built over the span of 5 months, with a total budget of 41,000 USD.
Entrance (South) Elevation
A sustainable temporary pavilion is one that truly disappears after it is used. Three main concepts drive the programming of the pavilion, responding to Abu Dhabi Art’s theme of sustainability:
Reform
Construction scaffolding, painted an eye-catching red, was rented and used for the pavilion. It is an already readily available material in the UAE that would be returned to regular use after the exhibit.
Repurpose
The facade of the pavilion is turned into a “Living Canvas” that visitors can draw and interact with. Afterwards it was transformed into tote bags, wallets, and other Abu Dhabi Art memorabilia that visitors were able to take home with them.
Reuse
All other elements of the pavilion, such as furniture, would specifically be rented and not bought for the event. This reduces unnecessary purchasing and waste, allowing them to be reused again after.
Technical Specifications
Area - 100 m2Budget - 150,000 AED (40,000 USD)
Materials - Scaffolding, Canvas
Lifespan - 2 weeks
In the Media
︎︎︎ BluPrint Philippines︎︎︎ Vogue Arabia
︎︎︎ Abu Dhabi Art
︎︎︎ NYU Abu Dhabi
︎︎︎ NYUAD Design