Burkina Faso architect Dievede Francis Kéré created a circular pavilion made of spruce logs for German kitchen brand Next125 at Milan Design Week.
Named 'The Fireplace', the pavilion aims to explore the concept of the kitchen as a place for communal gathering and sharing through its rounded structure and centralized kitchen units.
“Circularity is always about how we gather around the fire, in a democratic way, as our ancestors have always done around the fire,” said Kelle in Milan's Desene. Told.
“The idea of a fireplace is a place where we can actually gather and gather around a fire,” he continued. “But what is modern fire? It's the kitchen.”
Intended to contrast a “modern, sophisticated kitchen” with an “old-fashioned” wooden shelter, the pavilion is centered around a sleek kitchen island from the Next 125 collection, with a mirrored interior topped with marble surfaces. Equipped with a unit.
Behind it is a built-in refrigerator unit that matches the wooden structure that provides the island's backdrop. A circular table adjacent to the island is supported on two metal legs, creating an additional communal surface.
Two arched openings appear as if carved into the structure, allowing movement to flow in and around the central kitchen unit.
Emphasizing the communal gathering element, wooden chairs appear to extend from the walls of the structure and wrap around the base of the pavilion.
The roof is made from 600 logs tied together to form a dome, giving the space a sense of grandeur.
A small hidden opening in the roof, which Kelle likens to a natural opening in a cave, creates a pocket of glowing light inside.
“If you think about it, [a cave]it has to do with light coming in from outside through a small opening,” Kelle said.
“This is what inspired us to use these logs and create gaps between them to allow light to pass through. [going to] Create a warm place. A welcoming place. ”
The pine used for the project was sourced locally from Next125's base in Germany, where the structure was fabricated by local carpenters before being shipped in six sections and installed in Milan.
After being exhibited during Milan Design Week, the pavilion will be moved to another location, but its next location has not yet been determined.
Other installations on display at this year's Milan Design Week include a sculptural interpretation of a stainless steel boat by Nfemi Marcus Bello and a patterned stone and clay floor exhibited by fashion house Hermès.
Photo provided by: Next125
The fireplace will be open at Superstudio from April 15th to 21st during Milan Design Week. Check out Dezeen Event Guide's Milan Design Week 2024 guide for lots of other exhibitions, installations and talks happening throughout this week.
