Impermanence
The 2021 Abu Dhabi Art Pavilion Prize Winner
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.
All photos taken, renders, and diagrams of the project, unless otherwise stated, are own work.
Pavilion Programming
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.
Drawings and Renders
Entrance (South) Elevation
Render of Impermanence during the day.
Render of Impermanence at night.
These renders were presented to the jury of the competition. The gateway entrance serves as the highlight of the pavilion, welcoming visitors to the first Abu Dhabi Art since the beginning of the pandemic. During the construction phase, it was estimated that the projector would go overbudget, so it was unfortunately cancelled from the original plans.
Construction
Impermanence beginning construction.
Impermanence nearing completion.
In these photos the construction of the pavilion can be seen, beginning in October 2021 for a completion date of November 2021. We worked with the contractors to ensure that the plans for materials were properly followed to ensure the sustainability of the pavilion.
Image Gallery
Visitors leaving their mark on Impermanence’s canvas facade.
