'Fluid' the floating expo center - coming to a port near you?

18:02 November 9, 2009 PST
http://www.inhabitat.com/2009/10/27/fluid-amphibious-pavilion-for-2012-world-expo/
Bridgette Meinhold, 10/27/09



A futuristic adaptable living building called “Fluid – Amphibian Pavilion” has been proposed by architects Peddle Thorp as an exhibition center for the World Expo 2012 to be held in Yeosu, Korea. Apart from its unique design, the building has a low impact on the environment because, when the Expo finishes, this floating exhibition space can be “unhooked” and sailed away to its next location.

The architects, based in Melbourne, Australia, have taken to heart the Expo’s theme “The Living Ocean and Coast” for this eye-catching creation, albeit a concept. Designer Antoine Damery has incorporated sustainability and conservation throughout the structure. The open interior has enough flexibility to accommodate all types of events and uses, now and in the future – which also adds greatly to the building’s financial viability.

Damery says his design takes its contours from fluid dynamics and oceanic organisms, and shows the previously static building model to be outdated.

If built, this pavilion could be bobbing on seas in ports around the world for years to come.

Peddle Thorp hopes “Fluid” will promote dialogue and encourage collaboration between Asia Pacific countries about the importance of the preservation of oceans and ecosytem.

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.

+ Peddle Thorpe Architects
+ Antoine Damery