Chinese designer Bin Wu has unveiled the Pavilion of Time at the Domaine National du Palais-Royal during Paris Design Week. This striking installation, known as his illuminated work, features timber screens topped with a translucent, paper-like membrane beneath a mirrored circular roof. The pavilion is a response to the festival’s theme, “Pulse in Motion,” and aims to make time tangible for visitors.
Exploring the Illuminated Pavilion
Inside, the pavilion is divided into three timber segments, each designed for visitors to traverse in a continuous circular path. The structure captures natural sunlight, allowing the interplay of light and shadow to mark the passage of time. This effect is one of the key features of Wu’s design approach. The translucent polyethylene membrane resembles traditional Chinese Xuan paper, enhancing this ethereal quality.
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Wu explains his vision: “We hope people move continuously – footsteps trace the arc, sunlight drifts through paper and mirror, wandering between ground and structure. Light and shadow inscribe time’s trajectory.” With his pavilion, the circular form offers a stark contrast to the classical architecture of the Domaine National du Palais-Royal, while also reflecting the ancient Chinese idea of “a round heaven and a square earth.”
The pavilion incorporates a lighting system from the Chinese smart home brand Moorgen, allowing it to glow softly at night. This nighttime glow truly showcases the illuminated concept. Alongside, carbon fibre chairs from the brand Shang Xia invite visitors to pause and reflect on the experience.
Wu aims to share an Eastern perception of time, which he describes as “not a straight line, but a series of perceivable moments.” His pavilion combines elements of traditional Chinese painting to engage visitors in a dynamic experience of spatial and temporal change. His illuminated ideas bring a unique perspective to this cultural dialogue.
Beyond this project, Bin Wu, founder of W Design, has been recognized at the Dezeen Awards China 2024 as interior designer of the year. His recent book, “The Design Language of Timeless East,” delves into a philosophy-driven design language. During Paris Design Week, a complementary floral installation by French studio Uchronia was also displayed at the Grand Palais museum.
The Pavilion of Time is open to visitors from September 10 to 17,
For more architectural inspiration, discover Greece’s first LEED Platinum home combining eco-friendly designs and smart automation.
Source: dezeen.com
Frequently asked questions
What is the Pavilion of Time at Paris Design Week?
The Pavilion of Time is a striking installation by Chinese designer Bin Wu, located at the Domaine National du Palais-Royal during Paris Design Week. It features timber screens topped with a translucent, paper-like membrane beneath a mirrored circular roof, aimed at making time tangible for visitors.
How does Bin Wu’s pavilion reflect Chinese concepts?
Bin Wu’s pavilion reflects the ancient Chinese idea of ‘a round heaven and a square earth.’ The translucent polyethylene membrane resembles traditional Chinese Xuan paper, enhancing the ethereal quality and aligning with Eastern perceptions of time as a series of perceivable moments.
How is light used in the Pavilion of Time?
The pavilion captures natural sunlight to create an interplay of light and shadow that marks the passage of time. It also incorporates a lighting system from the Chinese smart home brand Moorgen, allowing it to glow softly at night, showcasing the illuminated concept.