In/tension was designed to address two challenges: minimize waste, and create a beautiful and functional space. As the central meeting point for the Interior Design Show in Vancouver, the space had an expectation to exhibit design innovation and a requirement to support a high volume of visitors throughout the course of the 3-day event. In the context of a short-term exhibition, the project was seen as an opportunity to develop a low-waste construction method as an alternative to typical builds which get sent to the landfill after an installation.
The design team found a synergy between these two challenges by addressing both goals through the materials first – how could unaltered standard materials be shaped to enhance experience, and how could they create a space of interest and warmth? in/tension is a demonstration of structural innovation and resourcefulness through the development of a unique construction method of stacking and strapping materials, and a unique procurement in which the primary building material was ‘borrowed’ from a local lumber yard and returned after the show. The resulting space shows a familiar material in a new light, with the smell and texture of an abundance of Canadian spruce adding a visceral and comforting dynamic within the busy showroom floor. This innovative approach to materials and methods achieved a substantial centerpiece build with low environmental impact on a shoe-string budget.
Project designed by Jessica Yarish and Paul Koopman for dHKarchitects.
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