DEME Pavilion
The pavilion, designed by POLO Architecture for DEME, features large open spaces which can be readily adapted to a variety of uses and activities. For the interiors we wanted to support this flexibility with a bare minimum of mostly detachable and movable fittings and furniture. As such we maintain the building’s transparent spatiality. Through the use of advanced multimedia installations designed by specialist scenographers, the blank canvas of these interiors can then be transformed into a range of different ambiences and immersive environments.
A minimalist interior blends the virtual and the real
The central core in off-form, board-marked concrete is the structural and conceptual backbone of the design. Left bare, it establishes a richly textured centrepiece in a minimalist interior that is otherwise characterised by bright, smooth and glossy surfaces. Electrical and mechanical services are distributed from this core straight into the dropped ceiling and raised floor voids, leaving the main spaces unobstructed. An all-glass façade stretches between the white ceiling and white resin floor, offering panoramic views of the surrounding greenery.
We enter the building through a white box portal, its internal surfaces clad with steel panels. Once past the glass doors, we face the rough tactility of the concrete core head on. A curved stainless steel sheet assumes the role of sculptural reception desk.
The sunken exhibition space on the ground floor is dominated by a big wall of moving screens in front of the glass façade. Here immersive videos create an ambient atmosphere evoking DEME’s water-based activities. Moving further into the space we discover several tables with inlaid touchscreens for interactive programmes. Lights incorporated into the bottom of these tables project water-like lighting effects on the floor.
Several fittings are detachable in order to allow flexible use of interior spaces. Vessel models installed atop steel poles can be displayed on both ground and first floor. High bar tables can be fixed into discrete floor openings when required for receptions or other events.
The upstairs gathering space accommodates various seating and table arrangements for receptions, screened presentations and other meeting-type scenarios. The main feature here is an installation of 5 standing screens, three of which are grouped to form one large screen. They vie for attention with the big picture window framing the landscape outside. The adjacent spillover space is activated by the addition of a curved kitchenette and bar tables. This becomes a lively hub of activity during break-out sessions or other get-togethers which may extend onto the spacious outdoor terrace.
