21/06/2016
Entry for the Paris peace pavillion competition with Shweta Sinha Anjali Anna Philip Navaneeth R Nair
An ode to peace
Like a stone creates ripples when it tears through the surface of water, terrorism tears through the fabric of society and creates turmoil. The reactions produced as a result of this turmoil must be directed in a positive way for the good of mankind.
The pavilion seeks to explore a physical manifestation of this reaction to terrorism. A tower of peace emerges to counter terrorism, symbolically, at the place where the violence emanated and just as society's reactions are multi-faceted, the tower that rises at this spot is covered with materials that are reflective, heavy and light in parts.
The core of this tower is a meditation space covered by a transparent truncated cone. This creates a 45 m tall space which lets in the sky, reminding us of the vastness of the universe and the beauty of life; awe inspiring and calming at the same time.
Adjacent to this sanctum for meditation, is a gallery space that displays the horrors of violence and the benign effects of hope and brotherhood on human beings. Temporary gallery spaces for art installations with a social message, a cafe, souvenir shop and administration areas complete the design. These spaces are carved into the landscape and lit from the top, symbolically bringing in positive light energy into these disturbances.
The rippled form of the design weaves through the entire site creating landscape elements like seating areas, performance spaces for street artists and play areas for children.
