This pavilion with its unique layout and peeled spaces examines the possibility of creating areas of solitude along with opportunities of interaction. It marries the rigid outer triangle with softer circles. Ben van Berkel commented, “We wanted to create an environment in which more can take place than simply experiencing the object itself. The object can then also become a dialogue machine. More details from the architect below.
Courtesy of UNstudios
UNStudio’s Youturn Pavilion is one of six ‘terreiros’ created for the 29th Art Biennale in Sao Paulo, Brazil 2010. Located at the heart of the biennale, the pavilion operates primarily as a venue. Programmatically the pavilion invites the public to meet, orientate and observe. It provokes interaction between both participants and visitors to the biennale, creating a place for display, discussion, and debate.
Courtesy of UNstudios
The UNStudio Pavilion places itself between artwork, installation and architecture. The Youturn Pavilion forms the ‘I am the street’ terreiro, one of six conceptual groupings of integrated curatorial spaces at the biennale. Events which occur within the space can range from intimate discussions to large group presentations.
In Orbit | Tomás Saraceno
Projects info:
Architect: UNStudio, Amsterdam, Netherlands Ben van Berkel, Caroline Bos with Christian Veddeler, Jordan Trachtenberg and Florian Licht
Building and Engineering: p+p, Fuerth, Odenwald, Germany
Subsidy and sponsors: The Netherlands Architecture Fund, Rotterdam The Netherlands Foundation for Visual Arts, Design and Architecture, Amsterdam Zumtobel Licht GmbH, Lemgo, Germany p+p, Fuerth, Odenwald, Germany.
Anastasia Andreieva is an accomplished Architectural Projects Editor at Arch2O, bringing a unique blend of linguistic expertise and design enthusiasm to the team. Born and raised in Ukraine, she holds a Master’s degree in Languages from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv. Her deep passion for architecture and visual storytelling led her to transition from translation and editorial roles into the world of design media. With a keen eye for conceptual clarity and narrative structure, Anastasia curates and presents global architectural projects with precision and flair. She is particularly drawn to parametric and digital design, cultural context, and emerging voices in architecture. When I’m not analyzing the latest architectural trends, you’ll probably find me searching for hidden gems in cityscapes or appreciating the beauty of well-crafted spaces. After all, great design—like great connections—can be found in the most unexpected places. Speaking of connections, because architecture isn’t the only thing that brings people together.