A pointy paper lantern pavilion adorns the garden of the Palazzo Contarini Polignac in Venice. Part of the Venice Art Bienalle, the curiosity-provoking structure is the work of Italian studio Stefano Boeri Architetti. For this shape, the designers referenced sculptures by Korean artist Chun Kwang Young who is most well-known for his textural, crystalline paper sculptures. The artist's work also happens to be on show inside the palace.
The paper lantern pavilion is officially named Hanji House. Stefano Boeri Architetti used laminated veneer lumber for the skeleton of the pavilion and later wrapped it in hanji paper which "creates a crisp white appearance that becomes an almost translucent beacon at night." The beautiful paper lantern pavilion can be spotted from across the canal, as well.
Image Credit: Alice Clancy, Guoyin Jiang
What's Driving This Trend
- Paper-based Architecture
- The shift towards using paper and other unconventional building materials for architectural structures presents an innovative opportunity for sustainable and eco-friendly design projects.
- Art-inspired Architecture
- Architecture that takes inspiration from works of art creates opportunities for unique and often attention-grabbing designs that merge creative expression with functional structures.
- Translucent Architecture
- The use of translucent materials in architectural design presents an opportunity to play with natural light and creates visually appealing structures that stand out from traditional buildings.
Who This Affects Most
- Architecture
- Architectural firms can explore the use of unconventional materials such as paper and natural fibers in creating sustainable and visually appealing structures, inspired by works of art.
- Art
- Art galleries and exhibitions can inspire architects to create visually stunning structures that merge art and design, blurring the lines between form and function.
- Event Design
- Event designers can incorporate translucent materials such as paper lanterns to light up outdoor spaces and create a visually impactful ambiance for guests or attendees.
