Darwin Bucky: A Traveling Gallery Inspired by Geodesic Domes

An Innovative Exhibition Gallery Designed by Kuber Patel and Jwalant Mahadevwala

Bucky is designed as a complete set of parts that can be easily assembled and disassembled on-site. This parametric dome tent, made of 1mm mild steel, spans an impressive 10 meters in diameter and 6 meters in height, all without the need for beams or columns. Its avant-garde joinery system ensures a leakproof structure, concealing over 70 percent of the 2800 bolts that hold it together.

One of the key strengths of Bucky is its versatility. The structure serves as a black box, providing a wide array of programs that can be tailored to the needs of the tenant. Whether it's used as an exhibition gallery, a performance center, a bar, or even a nightclub, Bucky offers endless possibilities. Its modular design allows for easy customization and adaptation to different environments.

Bucky's unique properties make it an ideal choice for various locations. It can be placed in public gardens, exhibition grounds, or even city squares, always serving as a temporary structure. The gallery's collapsible panels, ranging from 300mm to 1250mm in size, can be handled by a single person, making the assembly process highly efficient.

Designed with the goal of minimizing its environmental impact, Bucky is a lightweight structure that can be recycled or deconstructed when no longer needed. Its flat pack design allows for easy transportation in a 6-meter shipping container, making it accessible to curators around the globe.

With Bucky, the gallery experience is transformed. The building itself becomes an integral part of the exhibition, inviting visitors to interact with it in the same way they would with the artworks inside. Its unique design and adaptability make it a truly immersive and dynamic space.

Located in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India, the Bucky project started in October 2019 and was opened to the public in October 2021. The design team, led by Kuber Patel and Jwalant Mahadevwala, worked closely with client Abbhay Mangaldas to bring this innovative concept to life.

Bucky's design was the result of extensive research and experimentation. The team used origami as the basis for panel folding, combined with parametric tools for fabrication onsite. This approach allowed Bucky to fit into a shipping container and transform into a spacious 100 square meter gallery within days.

The design process presented several challenges that the team successfully overcame. Constructing a structure that works for off-grid areas and fitting a 10-meter span and 6-meter height into a 6-meter container were particularly difficult tasks. Additionally, transforming an open system into a closed one was necessary to ensure the building's watertightness and protect the artworks from harsh environmental conditions.

Bucky's innovative design and commitment to sustainability have earned it recognition in the design community. It was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in 2022 for its outstanding creativity and resourcefulness. This prestigious award acknowledges designs that incorporate best practices in art, science, design, and technology, contributing to improvements in quality of life.

With its groundbreaking design and adaptability, Darwin Bucky sets a new standard for traveling galleries. Its unique combination of aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability makes it a true masterpiece in the world of art, architecture, and design.