The Dali Pavilion

The Site

The Dali Pavilion is a large sculptural form that will occupy the block of land that forms the corner of Crown St and Cathedral St. Inspired by the legendary artist, Salvador Dali, it is a fitting structure to construct on the site, as that particular part of Sydney is already rich in art and culture. The hollow shape allows for it to be an aesthetically beautiful and unique sculpture, while providing a practical use as a central meeting place for the opposing park. Surrounded by terrace houses and café’s, this structure will provide an extravagant shape that will complement the quirkiness of the surrounding facilities.

The Development

The Form

Inspired by Salvador Dali, and in particular his artwork ‘The Persistence of Memory’, I had envisioned a structure that folded in on itself creating a melting effect, much like the clocks in his artwork. By creating a straight tower-like shape that folds over and snakes into a curve, the structure is given the appearance of a tower that has been stretched like rubber.

To compliment this unique shape, I have embedded a hexagonal pattern into the structure. Rather than having a solid shape with a few holes in it, this structure is made entirely of over 100 hollow hexagons which piece together in a very precise way to create the overall form. The advantage of doing this, apart from its aesthetic advantages, is that it allows people to see through the entire structure. People who come to the Crown St/ Cathedral St intersection will be able to look through the architecture and onto the domain and cityscape behind it. It also allows for those inside the structure to have an unobstructed 360 degree view around them. From the top level of the pavilion those inside the structure would be able to see onto the domain, the city, and over the rooftops of the houses onto Oxford St.

The Opportunity

The way the pavilion snakes around on itself creates a circular area which can be used for a small café or possibly a playground. No matter what is put in this area, the way the pavilion wraps around it, it creates a sense of enclosure and connectivity with the structure while still maintaining an open feel that draws the citizens towards The Domain.