Quartiergarten Pavilion

Inspired by the spatial dynamics and monumental phenomenology of Richard Serra, this pavilion precisely calibrates scale and enclosure. As visitors move through the site, dramatic shifts in sightlines deliver an ever-evolving, highly dynamic, and immersive experience along the pedestrian journey.

To generate the initial surface, Galapagos—a Genetic Algorithm-based evolutionary solver in Grasshopper—was utilized to derive optimized geometries under specific constraints. The algorithm was formulated to maximize the total pathway length while precisely preserving the site's existing trees.

For digital fabrication, a custom parametric workflow was developed using GH Python. By inputting the initial surface alongside parameters such as timber element dimensions, pattern logic, and aperture ratios, the entire timber assembly is generated automatically, fully integrated with structural analysis. The timber members form a reciprocal structure that behaves as a unified, continuous surface. Furthermore, the structural joints and connection details have been comprehensively embedded into the parametric workflow.

From a structural perspective, the design operates on the sophisticated principle of interlocking elements, transitioning from discrete parts to a unified whole. Because the individual members interlock with precision, they work collectively to act as a single, cohesive, and continuous surface. This structural behavior can be likened to the mechanics of a bent piece of paper. through strategic folding and curvature, a planar surface gains inherent stiffness, allowing it to stand entirely on its own without the secondary supporting frames.