Bijoy Jain’s MPavilion revealed

The Naomi Milgrom Foundation today released the MPavilion 2016 design by renowned Indian architect Bijoy Jain of Studio Mumbai. Exploring ideas around handmade architecture and the craft of building at its most basic, bamboo, earth, stone and rope will be used to create a pavilion that is elemental and sensorial.

Jain describes this process as ‘Lore’, and his design reflects his ongoing interest in the act of making and cultural and human connectedness. MPavilion 2016 will be 12-metres-high, made of bamboo with a roof encased in earth representing the Australian landscape.

Adorned by an elaborate tower similar to a ‘tazia’ used in Indian ceremonies, the pavilion is in itself a gesture reflecting this internationally recognised architects interest in the connection between earth, sky and the shared gravity that connects all humans.

“The idea is not to guide observers but to allow discoveries through visual layers of thinking, making and seeing,” says Bijoy Jain.

Working in Mumbai over the past six months, Jain and his team of skilled craftsmen have tested and designed MPavilion 2016 through a series of models and full-scale prototypes. A team of Australian builders have travelled to Mumbai to take part in Jain’s collaborative approach to design and construction.

Of the MPavilion 2016 design, Jain adds: “I wanted to create a space that connects the entire culture of the land. The tower or ‘tazia’ is an imaginary building that reaches deep into the stars, so it is otherworldly, and through it you can see the stars, the sky, other dimensions.”

“I want the MPavilion to be the scaffolding that provides a creative space that suspends visitors between earth, ground and sky,” he said.”

MPavilion Founder, Naomi Milgrom AO said: “Bijoy Jain’s practice is unique in that it focuses on honouring age-old crafts and building-techniques, which resonate strongly in this technologised world.

“As an architect, Bijoy thinks like an artist. His buildings are realised around a central idea, and are then fleshed out through an extensive process of collaboration, and always, careful consideration of the surrounding environment.”

“In a short time MPavilion has become one of Australia’s most significant architectural and design projects, playing a leading role in celebrating and promoting good design and sparking a public conversation about its value,” said Martin Foley, Minister for Creative Industries.

“I look forward to seeing Bijoy Jain’s design come to life and make its mark on our city with another exciting program. Through our Creative State strategy we are increasing our investment in design to make Victoria a design leader, and MPavilion is an important part of this.”

Whilst in Melbourne to discuss plans for MPavilion 2016, Jain will present a lecture on ‘Architecture and Lore’ on 26 July at the Melbourne School of Design, University of Melbourne.