Studio Mumbai's MPavilion lands in Melbourne

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Studio Mumbai founder, architect Bijoy Jain’s design for the 2016 MPavilion has been fully realized, with the sprawling bamboo structure now situated in Melbourne’s Queen Victoria Gardens. The summer pavilion is commissioned annually by the Naomi Milgrom foundation, a not-for-profit organization that initiates and supports public design and architecture projects.

Jain is the third architect to build an MPavilion since the programme launched in 2014. The pavilion will be open until 18 February 2017. It will be used to host a programme of over 400 talks, workshops, performances and installations. By night, it will be illuminated by a bespoke lighting installation, which will be accompanied by a soundscape by artists Geoff Nees and J David Franzke.

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This year’s MPavilion is constructed from 7 kilometers of bamboo, 26 kilometers of rope, and 50 tonnes of stone. the end result sees a dynamic structure measuring 12 meters in height, with an earthen roof that pays homage to the Australian landscape. The oversized canopy covers a space where programs, workshops, performances and installations will be hosted during its four-month residency in the park. An aperture at the center of the roof symbolizes the connection of the earth to the sky, while below sits a golden well that represents the importance of water to place and community. An elaborate ‘tazia’ entrance tower, commonly used in Indian ceremonies, sits next to the pavilion as a welcoming gesture.

Architect Bijoy Jain of Studio Mumbai comments:

‘MPavilion is a space for the people of Melbourne to gather, talk, think and to reflect. My objective has not just been to create a new building, but to capture the spirit of the place by choosing the right materials, respecting the surrounding nature and working collaboratively with local craftspeople to share design and construction ideas.’

You can see more images, video and read more about the 2016 MPavilion on designboom and on dezeen

all images © john gollings