chilean-german practice GUN architects have installed the 'water cathedral' in santiago

'water cathedral' by GUN architects, santiago, chile
image guy wenborne; YAP CONSTRUCTO 2011, courtesy constructo
all images courtesy GUN architects


chilean-german practice GUN architects have installed the 'water cathedral' in santiago, chile, the winning design proposal from 
the MoMA young architects program international, a collaboration between the MoMA in new york, MoMA PS1 and 
chilean platform, constructo. the pavilion is a horizontal nave comprised of suspended vertical elements at various heights
and densities, naturally carving spaces. the slender, pyramidal components are made from fabric and concrete to mimic 
stalactites and stalagmites found in caves. 

supported by a minimal external steel framework, the inverted cones are suspended from a wire grid to capture rainwater 
within a plastic bag. dripping at different pulses and speeds, water drops exit the textile covering to generate a cool atmosphere 
for visitors beneath the canopy. stalagmites formed with concrete blocks double as benches, strategically placing individuals 
below the streams of water.



entry
image guy wenborne; YAP CONSTRUCTO 2011, courtesy constructo



components are suspended from a wire grid
image guy wenborne; YAP CONSTRUCTO 2011, courtesy constructo



(left) concrete blocks placed below the stalactites
(right) upward view of canopy
images guy wenborne; YAP CONSTRUCTO 2011, courtesy constructo



canopy of fabric components reflecting within a pond
image guy wenborne; YAP CONSTRUCTO 2011, courtesy constructo



stalagmites serve as concrete benches for visitors
image guy wenborne; YAP CONSTRUCTO 2011, courtesy constructo



canopy
image guy wenborne; YAP CONSTRUCTO 2011, courtesy constructo



canopy detail
image guy wenborne; YAP CONSTRUCTO 2011, courtesy constructo



water dripping from a component
image guy wenborne; YAP CONSTRUCTO 2011, courtesy constructo



water drizzles upon the concrete bench below
image guy wenborne; YAP CONSTRUCTO 2011, courtesy constructo



open to the sky, plastic cones capture water and slowly release drops over time
image guy wenborne; YAP CONSTRUCTO 2011, courtesy constructo



canopy without fabric covering
image guy wenborne; YAP CONSTRUCTO 2011, courtesy constructo