ARCHITECTURE BEGINS WITH THE SUN.
IT IS A CONSTANT, SHAPING HOW WE LIVE, MOVE, AND DESIGN.
SOMBRA EXPLORES HOW THE LIGHT OF THE SUN - AND ITS ABSENCE (SHADE) - DEFINES SPACE AND HOW ARCHITECTURE CAN RESPOND DYNAMICALLY TO THESE CONDITIONS.
Initiated by Metadecor International and Airshade Technologies, the project is a collaboration between leading experts: MVRDV (architecture), Alumet (anodizing), Van Rossum Engineers (structure), ARUP (mechanical engineering and sunlight studies), Kersten (bending), and AMOLF Institute (actuation).
SOMBRA provides shelter and protection, but also interacts with the sun, breathing with heat and air. In deference to the powerful presence of the sun, its form follows the solar path at 35°12.6′N 24°54.6′E, a point between Venice and Dubai. Angled south, it relies on sunlight to function. It is not just a shelter but a performance—an architectural experiment in dynamic shading.
Agenda
Lecture at Performance-based Façade Design
From 11 - 13 September, Angela Mejorin will host the Performance-based Facade Design (PBFD) event in Venice. The team of SOMBRA has been invited to present the ideas, the process and the technology of the pavilion. Caroline Kruit (International Business Developer at Metadecor) will give a presentation to the audience of architects and engineers on September 11th.
SOMBRA in the Marinaressa Giardini is accesible during the opening hours of the Time Space Existence Exhibitions of ECC Europe. If you want to meet Caroline and/or other members of the team during the PBFD event - at the location of SOMBRA or elsewhere in Venice - drop a line: directly or via the contact page!
Last day of Time Space Existence exhibition in Marinaressa Gardens and last day of Venice Biennale
Location
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