Location: Kochi, India.

Architect: STAPATI.

The Biennale Pavilion was designed as an air-conditioned space to host events for the Kochi Muziris Biennale 2016. The design was inspired by memories and aimed to create a unique cultural ambience through motifs that drew associations from history and context. The ceiling of the pavilion was designed as a dynamic installation using reclaimed wood and old sarees collected from local people. Recyclable materials were used throughout the design, including a ‘debris’ wall made from discarded materials and earth dug from the site. The temporary wooden galleries on the rear were made from areca-nut planks. The design aimed to reduce the impact on the environment by recycling and reusing materials. The result was a tactile and rustic feel that drew on subconscious images of traditional constructs and typologies, creating a nostalgic reference to the past. The design evolved organically from the context of the site, drawing parallels to the surrounding fabric of Fort Kochi and its adaptively reused structures. Overall, the Biennale Pavilion was a successful example of sustainable design that incorporated cultural and historical references to create a unique and memorable space.