Pulse Pavilion in Macau

We have received images of Pulse Pavilion, a fascinating temporary structure designed and built by third- and fourth-year undergraduate architecture students at the University of Saint Joseph in Macau. The design team was led by guest professors Kristof Crolla (Laboratory for Explorative Architecture & Design Ltd. / LEAD) and Dannes Kok. Pulse Pavilion was open to the public at Plaza Sai Van, adjacent to Macau Tower, from June 1st until today.

Project Description from the Design Team Instructors:

It is an inhabitable sculpture, a parametrically generated organic lattice structure created from split bamboo rods, interwoven with fabric panels, and featuring an interactive LED lighting system. In addition to a range of spectacular pre-programmed lightshows, the bamboo lattice is lined with motion sensors that cause the LED lights to change in color and intensity as people move around and through the pavilion.

The students designed the pavilion using an array of digital and physical models. For the actual construction, they were assisted by local craftsmen with expertise in bamboo structures. As a combination of advanced parametric software techniques with traditional construction methods and materials, the pavilion is intended to reinvigorate and extend the local Macau building culture. At the same time, it responds to the international casino culture of iconic architectural forms and dynamic lighting effects that define Macau’s contemporary visual identity.

Project Details:

Name: Pulse Pavilion
Location: Plaza Sai Van, Macau SAR, China
Design: Third- and fourth-year undergraduate architecture students from the University of Saint Joseph, led by guest professors Kristof Crolla and Dannes Kok
Students: Luis Antunes, Miguel Santos Augusto, Anna Baturkina, Chan Wai Hou, Chris Chang, Kelvin Cheang, James Cheung, Benny Chu, Rolan Franco, Gabriel Marques, Ronald Lam, Nestor San Valentin, Rico Tam, Francisco Tam Silveirinha, Sophia Yuen
Dates: On display June 1–10, 2013
Support: Laboratory for Explorative Architecture & Design Ltd. (LEAD), Traxon Technologies (Lighting), Wing Yick Scaffolders (Bamboo), Wings Design Production Ltd. (Fabric), Macau Foundation, Macau Tower
Photography: courtesy of staff and students of the University of Saint Joseph