Inspired by the iconic Chanel 2.55 handbag, Zaha Hadid’s Mobile Art structure reshapes the way polymers can be used by architects
By Michael Stacey
Fibre-reinforced polymer composite panels provide the sleek building fabric of Zaha Hadid’s travelling pavilion that is a celebration of the classic 2.55 Chanel handbag.
The pavilion has a toroidal-like form wrapped around a central daylit internal court, however this is not a geometry optimised to make repetitive geometric elements, the form of the pavilion has been explored and delineated by the architects.
Cladding the pavilion
The FRP panels for the Chanel pavilion are detailed as a rainscreen with the waterproofing and insulation provided by an unseen blanket-like construction. The wall panels range in size and are approximately 1.5m x 2m while the roof panels are 2m x 4m.
The panels were engineered by Optima Project using finite element analysis optimising the laminate construction, while achieving the stiffness required by the performance specification for the most exposed venue. The panels are reinforced by glass fibres in combination of biaxial stitched cloth and chopped strand mat. The glass fibres are held in a matrix of fire retardant polyester resin. FRP panels can be readily detailed to provide a high level of thermal insulation.
The panels were sanded by hand after they were de-moulded to achieve the fine finish.
It’s all in the bag
The pavilion housed work by 20 international artists including Tabaimo, Lee Bul and Leandro Erlich all inspired by Chanel’s quilted chain-strap handbag, which first appeared in 1955 and was reissued in 2005 by fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld. The pavilion is a flowing spiral of space. This is a personalised and skilfully crafted spatial journey, a redefinition of dancing around the handbag.
The global financial crisis has put the pavilion’s world tour on hold, though, and it is currently being stored in the UK.
By Michael Stacey
Fibre-reinforced polymer composite panels provide the sleek building fabric of Zaha Hadid’s travelling pavilion that is a celebration of the classic 2.55 Chanel handbag.
The pavilion has a toroidal-like form wrapped around a central daylit internal court, however this is not a geometry optimised to make repetitive geometric elements, the form of the pavilion has been explored and delineated by the architects.
Cladding the pavilion
The FRP panels for the Chanel pavilion are detailed as a rainscreen with the waterproofing and insulation provided by an unseen blanket-like construction. The wall panels range in size and are approximately 1.5m x 2m while the roof panels are 2m x 4m.
The panels were engineered by Optima Project using finite element analysis optimising the laminate construction, while achieving the stiffness required by the performance specification for the most exposed venue. The panels are reinforced by glass fibres in combination of biaxial stitched cloth and chopped strand mat. The glass fibres are held in a matrix of fire retardant polyester resin. FRP panels can be readily detailed to provide a high level of thermal insulation.
The panels were sanded by hand after they were de-moulded to achieve the fine finish.
It’s all in the bag
The pavilion housed work by 20 international artists including Tabaimo, Lee Bul and Leandro Erlich all inspired by Chanel’s quilted chain-strap handbag, which first appeared in 1955 and was reissued in 2005 by fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld. The pavilion is a flowing spiral of space. This is a personalised and skilfully crafted spatial journey, a redefinition of dancing around the handbag.
The global financial crisis has put the pavilion’s world tour on hold, though, and it is currently being stored in the UK.
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