Renzo Piano IBM Traveling Pavilion
July 17th, 2006
In the mid 1980s, architect Renzo Piano developed this beautiful modular pavilion for the display of IBM products. It was set up in various cities across Europe (Lyons, London, York, Rome, Milan) to the backdrop of famous architectural sites.
The structure is of particular interest structurally, as it is composed of three main repeating elements: a cast aluminum joint, a short laminated wooden beam, and a clear polycarbonate pyramid. The pyramids nest for efficient transportation – but more amazingly, they play the role of cross-braces in a truss, both laterally and axially. Apparently Piano brought one to a meeting with IBM in Paris, and to assuage their doubts about the structure’s strength, hit one as hard as he could with a sledgehammer. Despite the noise, it was unharmed, and IBM approved the project that day.
I imagine that with such standardized pieces, along with the fact that the structure requires no heavy machinery to assemble, the IBM pavilion might have been a good prototype for developing-world housing. Maybe with some tinted plastic for privacy.
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July 25th, 2006 at 11:25 pm
I like the way you think. The basic concept looks Fulleresque. Any idea how well insulated these are? I’m very interested in ways of saving energy. Also, how cheap? I’m under the impression polycarbonate is more expensive than most plastics but I could be wrong. I’ve been wondering about taking “bricks” of something like this that you could build around existing structures (including impermanent things like trailers) for insulation purposes, primarily. I was thinking perhaps shells around a styrofoam, or perhaps even dry waste, core. Might as well use some of the remaining petroleum for permanent construction, rather than trash.
March 5th, 2007 at 6:35 pm
Hmm, was thinking about this – it’d be a great way to build a moon base too…
April 15th, 2007 at 6:48 am
I have been looking for images of this project! The project is no longer on the Building Workshop site, except for a quick snapshot of it. I love the idea of a moveable structure. Lots of detailing involved, and detailing requires thinking outside the box. The R{BW site used to have more detailed images of this project.
October 3rd, 2007 at 2:50 pm
i’ve never heard of a building constructed in such a way. it is very interesting. i hope to see what this building design can be used for in the future. it is unique.