In the heart of Guadalajara, Mexico, a striking reflective structure named Sfumato challenges perceptions at the ITESO architecture complex. This installation, designed by Errre Taller, reimagines the existing Cubo MEM, turning it into an ethereal presence using innovative materials and techniques.
Ingenious Design with Mirror-Finish Panels
The pavilion’s surface is an arresting spectacle, comprised of 3 mm mirror-finish acrylic panels. These panels wrap the 6.40 × 6.40-meter cube, creating an optical illusion of invisibility. Cleverly arranged 1.22 × 2.44-meter sheets, alongside strategic 76 cm cuts, ensure material efficiency without compromising the seamless reflective facade.
A discreet entrance on the less conspicuous west side maintains the sleek, monolithic appearance. Inside, visitors can engage with the bounds of reality in a space meant for skyward observation, where sunlight plays across internal surfaces, marking the passage of time with changing shadows.
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Structural Innovation
Mounted on a subtle framework, the structure uses a light-gauge metal stud-and-track system, anchored to a wooden sub-structure that integrates with the original PTR steel underpinning. This inventive construction allows the art piece to reflect its surroundings seamlessly, almost dissolving into them. With its use of reflective architecture, it is a testament to how design can blend with its environment while standing out.
The mind-bending structure, a product of the inaugural Pabellón MEM competition, exemplifies how architecture can cleverly balance physical presence with visual absence. This design not only investigates architectural presence through visual disappearance but also redefines how we experience built environments.
Sources & Links
Source: designboom.com
Frequently asked questions
What is the Sfumato pavilion in Guadalajara made of?
The Sfumato pavilion is made of 3 mm mirror-finish acrylic panels that wrap a 6.40 × 6.40-meter cube.
How does the pavilion create an optical illusion?
The pavilion creates an optical illusion of invisibility with its mirror-finish acrylic panels that reflect the surroundings, almost dissolving into them.
What construction techniques were used for the pavilion?
The structure uses a light-gauge metal stud-and-track system, anchored to a wooden sub-structure, which integrates with the original PTR steel underpinning.
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