ACCORDION THEATER

2019

Collaborators: Lindsay Harkema, Sera Ghadaki

Proposal for the City of Dreams pavilion competition

Roosevelt Island, NYC

Accordion Theater is a dynamic pavilion designed to expand and contract to accommodate various scales of social gatherings, performances, and events throughout the summer. Constructed of a lightweight, collapsible wood frame structure and flexible recycled canvas canopy painted by local students, the beauty of the pavilion is in its simple yet theatrical performance.

Two repurposed medium-sized shipping containers will serve as the structural anchors for the dynamic pavilion. 12 identical wood frames wrap the containers and slide open to reveal a central performance area. Adjustable X-bracing allows the pavilion to expand and contract like an accordion, transforming in response to the scale and nature of the event, from public gathering to intimate performance. Between the frames, panels of recycled waxed canvas with simple hook and grommet mechanisms to fold up and down will provide further adaptability and weather protection.