[ PTA ] Fluid

Fluid, one of the most eye-catching designs for the much-anticipated 2012 World Expo in Yeosu, South Korea, is a whale-like pavilion designed by Melbourne-based Peddle Thorpe Architects (PTA). Their organic floating exhibition space is designed around the concept of adaptability, making the structure useful for many scenarios, even long after the World Expo has concluded. With it’s environmentally aware design, Fluid has a minimal impact on the surrounding coastal ecosystem and has another extremely cool feature – after it’s duties in Yeosu are complete, the whole building can unlatch from its site and be sailed to other cities as a giant, amphibious floating exhibition!

The concept for Fluid was actually created for PTA by Antoine Damery, who is known for his sustainable and environmentally conscious designs. Sustainability and conservation are integral elements of the design of the structure, acting also as a metaphor of change for the emerging city of Yeosu. Fluid will be anchored to a harbor and can rise and fall with the tides, resting on the water, but not fully built into its environment. Extremely organic in form, Fluid even appears as an aquatic animal with it’s flowing lines and smooth facade.

PTA and Antoine Damery’s hope for Fluid is that it will encourage collaboration between the Asian and Pacific countries, especially with regards to the preservation of oceans and ecosystems. Created with adaptation in mind, the interior of the pavilion is open, capable of hosting various types of events during the Expo and afterwards, becoming more sustainable as the lifespan and utility of the environmentally aware pavilion is expanded. Post World Expo 2012, Fluid can be sailed around to coastal Asian cities, showcasing various exhibitions or acting as a venue for events, celebrations or concerts, meaning that new pavilions will not have to be constructed at those locations.


from  inhabitat