"The Curious Vortex" constructs a five-meter pavilion from two opposing spiral sets. Polished stainless steel ribbons coil in opposite directions, intertwining to form a central vortex. The spirals emerge from ground level, twist upward through the vortex core, then extend outward and descend back to ground as structural arches. This creates an open pavilion with the vortex as focal point. The opposing rotations generate structural stability-each spiral set braces the other. Visitors walk through the arched perimeter, experiencing how the spirals frame space differently from multiple viewpoints. The polished steel reflects surroundings, fragmenting and multiplying the garden context.
Research: Dual helical systems with opposite chirality interlock for mutual support. Each spiral follows a helical path with constant pitch and radius variation-tightening toward the vortex center, expanding at the arches. The mathematical challenge: maintaining smooth curvature while ensuring structural loads distribute evenly. Computational modeling tested various pitch ratios and intersection angles before fabrication. Stainless steel ribbon dimensions calculated to balance visual lightness against structural requirements for a five-meter freestanding structure.
Photography: Studio Olafur Eliasson, Filipe Braga
