MPavilion 2024
Melbourne, Australia
Tadao Ando
Nestled in Melbourne’s vibrant Arts Precinct, MPavilion 10 by renowned architect Tadao Ando is envisioned as a space for community connection and quiet reflection. Designed in harmony with its natural surroundings, the structure embodies Ando’s minimalist philosophy—blending simplicity with powerful geometric forms.
At the heart of the design is a striking 14.4-metre circular canopy, clad in aluminium and supported by a single central column. Two offset square openings serve as entrances, inviting visitors into the pavilion’s serene core. A series of concrete walls of varying lengths partially enclose the space, creating a tranquil environment reminiscent of a traditional Japanese walled garden. Ando says the pavilion is “a space to reflect, interact and appreciate that which is contained within, be it nature, art or people.”
Strategically placed horizontal openings on both the northern and southern walls frame panoramic views of Melbourne’s skyline and the lush Queen Victoria Gardens, forging a seamless connection between the urban landscape and the pavilion’s contemplative interior. The layout further emphasizes symmetry and form, with a split interior featuring half-paved flooring and a reflecting pool that mirrors the canopy above, the open sky, and the surrounding cityscape.
