The Sprachpavillon was the central element in a touring exhibition in Austria as part of the ‘European Year of Languages 2001’. The architectural intention is to develop a fluid form of communication and information through an expression of flexibilty, transparency, lightness, and elasticity. The distorted pneumatic form provides an soft interface between the interior and exterior spaces which activates the surrounding urban context through subtle natural and dynamic artificial lighting. This provides the framework for the ‘interior’ human content, language and communication, which is achieved by the use of a ‘terminal’ located in the center of the interior volume. The terminal represents an experimental approach to the expression of languages in a visual context through means of architecture/design, film, and typography. The typographical element is a linear band wrapped around a transparent skin with motorized interior cylindrical forms reflecting the superimposition and overlaying of words and sentences of the EU languages. The architectural, graphic and human entities revolve and interact around this point in space eliminating borders, boudaries, and obstacles and thus emphasizing the fluidity of space itself.

Sprachpavillon Inflatable Mobile Structure

Sprachpavillon Inflatable Mobile Structure

Sprachpavillon Mobile Structure

Sprachpavillon Mobile Structure

Sprachpavillon Inflatable Mobile Structure

Sprachpavillon Inflatable Mobile Structure

Facts & Figures:

CLIENT: Austrian Ministry for Education and Art, ORF Enterprise

TYPE: Pneumatic Mobile Structure

DATE: 2000-2001

MATERIALS: Inflatible pneumatic structure, steel floor construction with rubber surface, compturized lighting and multimedia system