michael jantzen’s new solar-powered pavilion recalls japanese sand gardens

 

Michael Jantzen’s pavilion merges interactive art + architecture 

 

Inspired by traditional Japanese sand gardens and gazebos, this circular pattern-forming pavilion by LA-based Michael Jantzen is an experimental merging of interactive art and architecture. Its ultimate purpose is to provide a unique, tranquil place in and around which its users can relax and/or perhaps meditate.

 

Physically echoing the Japanese garden is the small-grained white gravel filling the space between the center pavilion and the outer circular wall. As the footbridge, tube, and rod assembly rotate around the pavilion perimeter, various patterns can be imprinted onto the white gravel. Motif variations depend on the speed of rotation, the positions of the thirteen rods, and the back and forth movement of the entire assemblage. A blade attached to the front end of the footbridge continually smoothes out the previously formed patterns so that a nearly endless variety of new ones can be created. 

all images courtesy of Michael Jantzen 

 

 

solar-powered with 13 rotating, pattern-forming rods 

 

To power the pavilion, Michael Jantzen (see more here) installed a large, circular solar cell array in the center of the roof. Concentric composite cement rings radiate around the solar array, shading the space below. Meanwhile, eight painted steel columns support the top and a perimeter railing, and a large, disc-shaped electric lamp suspends centrally from the ceiling. Just below the light, Jantzen mounted a large round table and benches onto the floor.

 

The entire structure was assembled and attached to a large circular concrete base. The top edge of that base is fitted with a steel rail, onto which a narrow footbridge links. The opposite end of the footbridge connects to another steel rail mounted onto a large wall circling the interactive pattern-forming pavilion. 

the pavilion by Michael Jantzen recalls traditional Japanese sand gardens and gazebos

 

 

Both ends of the footbridge are connected to the perimeter rails with wheels powered by small solar electric gear motors. These motors are designed to move the footbridge at various speeds around the perimeter of the central pavilion. The 13 movable rods mounted onto one side of the moveable footbridge can be lifted up or down and secured in different positions into the support tubes. The entire rods and tubes assemblage can also automatically move back and forth.

various patterns can be automatically and/or manually formed around the pavilion perimeter

the 13 pattern-making rods can be raised or lowered in many different ways to form various motifs

a disc-shaped electric lamp lights up the the solar powered pavilion at night

 

 

 

project info:

 

name: The Interactive Circular Pattern Forming Pavilion

architecture: Michael Jantzen

 

 

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

 

edited by: lea zeitoun | designboom