COMMUNAL SPACE
DESIGN AS SOCIAL SCULPTURE
THE TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS FOR INSTALLATION, LINKAGE AND DRAINAGE LEAD TO A DUAL-MEMBRANE CONSTRUCTION WITH A CHARACTERISTIC AIR CUSHION DESIGN. THE TRANSLUCENT, PHYSICAL APPEARANCE ALLOWS THE DYNAMIC BACKDROP OF THE HISTORICAL DOWNTOWN AREA TO REMAIN THE FOCAL POINT, WHILE BECOMING A STAR ATTRACTION.
ONE PRODUCT - MULTIFUNCTIONAL USE
As a multifunctional canopy for the village square, MDT developed the “Avenches” umbrella. At this village square MDT installed 16 pieces 4.3 x 4.3 m. Individual umbrellas can be arranged as freestanding objects or a covered outdoor space by connecting the canopies, creating a beatiful landscape. Those multifunctional features of the umbrella as a solar- and rain protection make the spot to an inviting place in every weather condition.
- dual-membrane umbrellas
- connection via zippers
- flexible creation
- multifunctional canopy
MUNICIPAL PLACE CREATION AS A SOCIAL SCULPTURE
The community of Avenches had long sought a way to give their marketplace – a space dominated by cars – back to the people. But creating space for human interaction for individuals who also live in a climate-sensitive zone is far more than just a technical challenge. It also carries social relevance through participation in various personal interactions. The solution, developed in cooperation with Swiss architectural company Furrer Jud was a creation of a public meeting place through a multifunctional marketplace canopy. Large canopy systems that are both light and flexible are often best realized with membrane solutions. From the planning side that made textile construction the material of choice, and MDT developed the right umbrellas to meet the wide range of different requirements
- double membrane
- connection of the umrellas by zippers
- adaptable creation multifunctional canopy
- special ground adapter
- mutifunctional use
- integrated lightning
MAKING PUBLIC PLACES PRIVATE
The success of any building project greatly depends on its public acceptance. In the culturally significant town of Avenches, this type of umbrella, a widely accepted expression of mobile architecture, became a popular feature as part of the multifunctional canopy system. In addition, a historic well from the Middle Ages was unexpectedly discovered during construction work – a treasure in the center of town. This “historic memory” constitutes a ‘new’ landmark and center of the marketplace where is not only the public meeting but also the tradition and the modern.