Overview
Architect Liz Gálvez designed and constructed a shade pavilion titled "Earthen Comforts: Airing Earth" in Los Angeles. This installation is situated in the courtyard of Materials & Applications and Craft Contemporary, employing cord and earthen blocks to demonstrate potential applications of urban shade.
Approach
The pavilion "Earthen Comforts: Airing Earth" is described as hugging one side of a concrete courtyard. Its construction involves a wooden post-and-beam framework that is covered. The materials utilized for its façade include cord and earthen blocks.
The project's stated objective is to "reframe" air conditioning through the provision of urban shade. It attempts to showcase the potential of using specific materials and structural forms to create comfortable outdoor environments.
Findings
The described structure combines a wooden post-and-beam support system with a covering made of cord and earthen blocks. This combination forms a shade pavilion intended for an urban environment. The specific location of the installation is a concrete courtyard in Los Angeles, associated with the cultural organizations Materials & Applications and Craft Contemporary.
Why This Matters
The project explores an alternative approach to cooling in urban settings by focusing on the creation of shade. The use of cord and earthen blocks suggests an investigation into material properties and their effectiveness in local climate conditions, specifically in Los Angeles.