External Reference's main inspirations for the architectural design studio has been the values of sustainability, inclusion, digitalization, hospitality, and circular economy of the New European Bauhaus, an initiative that aims to create beautiful, sustainable, and inclusive spaces.
"The pavilion aims to make the user feel immersed in the unique identity of the European Union: a group of entities and figures that form a single organization and function as a whole."
Zappulla, founder and director of External Reference.
Geometric shapes and primary colors, strategically used to differentiate the functionality of each space, combine vibrant colors that enhance the main meeting areas with subdued colors defining the reading and relaxation areas. Simultaneously, the implemented chromatic language achieves unity within the extensive space and acts as an intuitive guide directing visitors through the exhibition journey.
The challenge for the design team was to generate cohesion and harmony in a very rich and complex installation that will be the stage for various literary manifestations(involving more than 70 authors from the 27 member states), cultural, and artistic expressions. The comprehensive events program has required the creation of different interconnected spaces: the European bookstore, a large central agora, a digital media library, an interactive cultural installation, two stages, and other spaces dedicated to exchange.
Axonometric view of the ground floor. EU Pavilion FIL Guadalajara 2023 by External Reference.
The pioneering studio in experiential design and material experimentation has created a pavilion that both surprises and welcomes visitors. Colorful geometric patterns are expressed in both the configuration and morphology of the space and the striking textile ceiling, composed of twenty-seven huge suspended elements that reference each of the EU member countries.
In the heart of the pavilion, the interactive space is designed to represent the bridge between craftsmanship and technology. It reflects the intention to blend tradition with the contemporary, the local with the global, strengthening cultural and creative ties between Mexico and the European Union.
While utilizing traditional materials such as sarape fabric, evoking the country's cultural heritage, it incorporates innovative elements like 3D-printed plants, exemplifying technological advancement today. These plant-shaped sculptures, designed by External Reference and produced by LaMáquina, are made with recycled plastic filament integrating PURE.TECH technology is composed of natural minerals that absorb CO2.
The challenge for the design team was to generate cohesion and harmony in a very rich and complex installation that will be the stage for various literary manifestations(involving more than 70 authors from the 27 member states), cultural, and artistic expressions. The comprehensive events program has required the creation of different interconnected spaces: the European bookstore, a large central agora, a digital media library, an interactive cultural installation, two stages, and other spaces dedicated to exchange.
Axonometric view of the ground floor. EU Pavilion FIL Guadalajara 2023 by External Reference.
The pioneering studio in experiential design and material experimentation has created a pavilion that both surprises and welcomes visitors. Colorful geometric patterns are expressed in both the configuration and morphology of the space and the striking textile ceiling, composed of twenty-seven huge suspended elements that reference each of the EU member countries.
In the heart of the pavilion, the interactive space is designed to represent the bridge between craftsmanship and technology. It reflects the intention to blend tradition with the contemporary, the local with the global, strengthening cultural and creative ties between Mexico and the European Union.
While utilizing traditional materials such as sarape fabric, evoking the country's cultural heritage, it incorporates innovative elements like 3D-printed plants, exemplifying technological advancement today. These plant-shaped sculptures, designed by External Reference and produced by LaMáquina, are made with recycled plastic filament integrating PURE.TECH technology is composed of natural minerals that absorb CO2.
