Arbor Arena: A Parametric Pavilion Inspired by Nature

Selvagen's Award-Winning Design Merges Technology and Sustainability

The Arbor Arena was conceived as a metaphor for a tree, a symbol of life and playfulness. This concept deeply influences the experiences of those who interact with the space. The design was developed using parametric methodologies, which involve programming design and architectural solutions through computational algorithms. This approach sets the Arbor Arena apart from other designs.

Located at CasaCor Pernambuco 2018, America’s most significant collective of interior design, architecture, and landscape, the Arbor Arena serves as a space for lectures, debates, and rest. The internal landscaping brings a native aspect to the vegetation used, featuring tropical species such as acai and ravenalas. The existing coconut palm was preserved to emphasize the importance of sustainability in the project.

The deck forms the base that provides stability for the entire structure above it. The grandstand, formed by modules that arise from the floor, generates a topography within the space. The structure’s woodwork, made in macaranduba, corresponds to the trunk that offers support to all the rest of the Arena’s component parts. Its pieces are fixed by metal vertices, and both corten steel entry frames present a perforated pattern referring to the triangular design.

The closure made in Super MDF as triangular-based pyramids presents a variation of heights in each one of it, which become flatter near the grandstand and gradually increase towards the stage. They feature decreasing openings from the base of the structure, which are closed by curtains, giving a greater visual permeability and thermal comfort to the space, besides being able to filter the incident light.

Despite being a pavilion for a temporary event, the Arbor Arena was conceived as a modular structure so that each part may be disassembled and rebuilt elsewhere. After the event, the city's public botanical garden acquired the whole space, and it now serves as a place for events at its full and permanent potential.

Parametric design and complex geometries are still not very explored in Brazil. Therefore, the process of its fabrication and execution had many technical difficulties due to the lack of knowledge and development in this field. The end result is the representation of how it is possible to bring this type of architecture to Brazil through efforts in training the local workmanship for its construction along with digital techniques in design and fabrication.

The Arbor Arena is a testament to the possibilities of parametric design and the power of nature-inspired architecture. It is a shining example of how technology and sustainability can come together to create a space that is not only functional and beautiful but also respectful of the environment.