The project by the ETSAB Escola Tècnica Superior d’Arquitectura de Barcelona UPC and led by Carles Sala for the Tongji International Construction Festival 2019 consists in the design and the onsite construction of a space based on a geodesy, described by pentagons and hexagons and discretized in a triangular tessellation. At a structural level, the conception of a geodesy guarantees the stability of a space as such, especially considering that the material provided by the organization of the festival, cellular polyethylene, is very resistant but partially floppy. While a series of ribs follow the triangular tessellation scheme, a collection of two types of tetrahedrons – A & B –, in the form of spikes pointing out (looking like a Chinese Durian!), close the geodesy and brings stability into the whole system. As requested by the specifications of the festival, the project considers two openings – both highlighted in red polyethylene –: there is an entrance at its lowest point, so one has to crawl to get in, but then, once inside, users can stand and feel embraced by the structure; while a second opening, oriented to south, allows natural light and views to come and take part in it!

(*) This design has been developed within the ETSAB UPC, and led by Carles Sala from SALA FERUSIC Architects.