Yayoi Kusama Gallery

Fernando Maculan (MACh Architects), Maria Paz (Rizoma Architecture)

Project implementation: Brazil
Project development: Brazil

The Yayoi Kusama Gallery houses two of the artist's installations at Inhotim: "I am here but nothing" and "Aftermath of obliteration of eternity." These works are known for attracting large crowds, inevitably leading to long lines. Therefore, the architectural design must respond not only to sheltering the artworks but also to creating a protected space for the waiting time and preparing the public for the unique experience the installations provide.
The proposed shading cover follows a principle of minimal structural use, with a succession of parallel steel cables connecting the highest point near the crest of the terrain's cutting slope to the lowest point at the opposite end of the plateau. These lines, with a subtle curvature, metaphorically reconstruct the original terrain profile in the most natural way possible. The design seeks to recognize the terrain, which underwent prior intervention to create the plateau, and also the slopes surrounding it, adapting to the given topography. The tensioned cover aims to activate the spatiality generated by the cutting.
A flexible metal mesh creates a broad support surface for the growth of a climbing plant, the exotic Congea tomentosa species introduced to Brazil in the 1960s by Burle Marx. This plant was chosen for several reasons: its density, which favors shading and some rainwater retention; its excellent adaptation to the Brazilian climate, requiring no special care; and its distinct aesthetic attributes. The Congea will convey a sense of time and continuous transformation to the project, with its inflorescences alternating in color tones of white, pink, lilac, and gray.
Under the roof, the space opens horizontally to the garden on one side and rises toward the gallery, whose design is defined by a vertical plane of weathered steel plates that runs the entire length between the side slopes. Thus, the architecture is characterized not as a detached volume, but rather as a topographical intervention directly related to the terrain's configuration.
Along the rows, whose path is defined by the different flooring materials – fine gravel and concrete tiles – small spaces with wooden benches are created, as an invitation to stay for those visiting the gallery or simply enjoying the ambiance and view.
Seen from above, as a colorful intervention in the landscape, the project connects two moments of existing vegetation – the spontaneous forest and the planned garden – and seems to conceal a magical world to be discovered by park visitors.

Participate in the program of debates, workshops and associated activities!

HOJE (14.10)

10am – table Urgent Panorama! Space as an act of permanence

3:00 PM – Biomaterials Mini-Workshops at the Living Lab

5:00 PM – Biomaterials Mini-Workshops at the Living Lab

18h – Launch of the “Nature-Based Education” Guide

NOS PRÓXIMOS DIAS (15 a 19.10)

10/15 | 10am – For an Anti-Racist Adaptation

15.10 | 2pm – workshop senseBox:bike: bikes and data with open technologies

15.10 | 3pm – Academic Meetings: Escola da Cidade talks with the curators

15.10 | 3pm – workshop Sustainable studio: jewelry and accessories made from recycled plastic at the Living Lab

15.10 | 6pm – Technical assistance to communities in Bahia

10/15 | 8:00 PM – activity Cine Fluxo Cart in the Mauá Occupation

10/16 | 10am – Presidents' Forum CAU/SP

16.10 | 3pm – Biomaterials Mini-Workshops at the Living Lab

16.10 | 17h – Biomaterials Mini-Workshops at the Living Lab

16.10 | 6pm – table Revive the Center with Eduardo Paes (Mayor of Rio de Janeiro and president of the National Front of Mayors), Alê Youssef (former Secretary of Culture of São Paulo), Marta Moreira (partner at the MMBB office) 

16.10 – activity Urgent Overview! Visit to the Paraisópolis Complex

17.10 | 10am – table Citizen Science in Climate Adaptation

17.10 | 2pm – table Black Women for Climate: Strengthening Urban Peripheries 

17.10 | 15:30 – table Territorial climate action and justice

17.10 | 6pm – table Living Periphery

18.10 | 10am – table Taking action for climate adaptation from the Public Authorities

18.10 | 10am – workshop Design marathon to communicate fair, resilient and low-carbon cities

18.10 | 2pm – table Achieving decarbonization and resilience in the built environment

18.10 | 3pm – Alfredo Sirkis Piratininga Park Book Launch – Nature, Innovation and Socio-Environmental Justice

18.10 | 4pm – Publication Launch of the II Climate Emergency and City Seminar

18.10 | 6pm – Closing Session of the 14th BIAsp – Paths to the Future

18.10 | 19:30 – International Schools Competition Award at the 14th International Architecture Biennial 

19.10 | 5pm – activity Urgent Panorama! Visit to the Panorama Lab project in Jardim Panorama 

19.10 – TRIBUTE TO ARCHITECT KONGJIAN YU

JOIN! IT'S ALL FREE!

The Biennial is open until October 19th!

NOTE OF CONDOLENCE

With deep sorrow, the Brazilian Institute of Architects – São Paulo Department (IABsp) mourns the passing of architect and landscape architect Kongjian Yu, a global leader in ecological urbanism, and the members of his team who accompanied him, tragically killed during the filming of a documentary. The institute is honored to have had him as a participant in the 14th São Paulo International Architecture Biennial, where his transformative vision strengthened the dialogue between global challenges and local realities. IABsp emphasizes that Yu's contribution, which transcends borders, will remain an inspiration for generations and expresses its condolences to China, to the families of all the deceased, to his friends, and to all those impacted by his genius and dedication. Read the full note here.