ARCHITECTURE BEGINS WITH THE SUN.
IT IS A CONSTANT, SHAPING HOW WE LIVE, MOVE, AND DESIGN.
SOMBRA EXPLORES HOW THE LIGHT OF THE SUN - AND ITS ABSENCE (SHADE) - DEFINES SPACE AND HOW ARCHITECTURE CAN RESPOND DYNAMICALLY TO THESE CONDITIONS.
Initiated by Metadecor International and Airshade Technologies, the project is a collaboration between leading experts: MVRDV (architecture), Alumet (anodizing), Van Rossum Engineers (structure), ARUP (mechanical engineering and sunlight studies), Kersten (bending), and AMOLF Institute (actuation).
SOMBRA provides shelter and protection, but also interacts with the sun, breathing with heat and air. In deference to the powerful presence of the sun, its form follows the solar path at 35°12.6′N 24°54.6′E, a point between Venice and Dubai. Angled south, it relies on sunlight to function. It is not just a shelter but a performance—an architectural experiment in dynamic shading.
Agenda
14:15 hrs
Lecture at Future Façade in Utrecht (NL) – The concept of SOMBRA
11:00 hrs
(press preview) SOMBRA at Marinaressa Gardens in Venice in Time
Space Existence exhibition (by ECC)
14:15 hrs
Lecture at Future Façade in Utrecht (NL) – The making of SOMBRA
10:00 hrs
SOMBRA at Marinaressa Gardens in Venice in Time Space Existence
exhibition (by ECC) – official opening
Sunrise until after sunset
SOMBRA Solstice at Marinaressa Gardens in Venice – details to follow
Lecture at Performance-based Façade Design - Details to follow
Last day of Time Space Existence exhibition in Marinaressa Gardens and last day of Venice Biennale
Location
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