Diamonds in the rough

20 February 2009

The Yorkshire Diamond proposal was inspired by the atomic structure of diamonds, with inflatable tubes used to create a 20 x 26 x 10m volume that can be fully inflated in an hour.

Its centre is hollowed out to create what the architect describes as a “cavernous interior space reminiscent of the coal mines of Yorkshire” which is lined with a white blackout fabric to counteract the translucent skin.

Two shipping containers which will be used to transport the pavilion provide the ballast to anchor the lightweight structure along with water-filled weights.

The Yorkshire Diamond can be reconfigured into different sizes for flexibility and can also be opened up to create a covered outdoor stage area for concerts and film screenings. Coloured lighting will shine through the skin at night to create a “twinkling diamond” effect.

The project is up against a scheme called The Arbour by London-based Lock Rennie, and Foundry by Bristol’s 67 Design with a final winner to be announced next month.

Credit: Shed KM

Shed KM was one of the five original shortlisted firms in the pavilion competition.

The international competition to design the mobile pavilion, organised the Yorkshire’s Regional Development Agency, Yorkshire Forward, and the RIBA, was launched last year and attracted 87 entries.

An initial shortlist of five designs, which included schemes by Shed KM and What Architecture, was announced in October 2008.

Credit: What Architecture

What Architecture was one of the five original shortlisted firms in the pavilion competition.