Momentary Pavilion
Project Type : Pavilion / Year : 2019 November / Status : 1st Year Project / Program : Pavilion / Site : Munk School, Toronto
Moment is a specific fragment of time—short but charged with intense potential. At least once in our lives, we experience a moment when instinct overtakes the illusion of time. In these shards of fleeting moments, everything becomes strikingly clear, as though time has paused.
In a similar vein, this pavilion embodies the ‘moment’ where life and death are most vividly perceived. The pavilion transforms between two distinct states over time: during the day, the frame enclosing the pavilion’s internal structure is emphasized, evoking a sense of death or stasis, akin to Damien Hirst’s “The Physical Impossibility of Death in the Mind of Someone Living.” This static atmosphere creates the impression of space frozen in a single moment, offering visitors tranquil fragments of time. Conversely, at night, the framing that contains life fades into the darkness, and only the inner structure, highlighted by dynamic lighting, becomes visible. The pavilion shifts to represent life or instinct, delivering an electrifying experience as though it is breaking through the constraints of time and space. Though it presents two contrasting states, the pavilion conveys a singular message: the essence of the ‘moment.’
Additionally, the side of the pavilion resembles the structure of magnolia flowers, while the top takes the form of ocean waves, allowing visitors to experience the moment from various visual perspectives. The pavilion also interacts with its users. Sound sensors inside convert visitors’ voices into light, expanding the realm of perception. This feature enhances the experience of special occasions like small concerts or performances, leaving an unforgettable impression of the moment.
