Architecture

An Architectural Ode to the Sun: The SOMBRA Pavilion in Venice

Set within the verdant Giardini Marinaressa of Venice, the SOMBRA Pavilion is a kinetic marvel that honors the sun.

Por: Rubén Carrillo
The structure’s responsive elements use small air canisters, which react when heated by solar rays. / Photo SOMBRA
The structure’s responsive elements use small air canisters, which react when heated by solar rays. / Photo MVRDV

SOMBRA, named from the Latin fusion of sol (sun) and umbra (shade), exemplifies a future where buildings adapt without motors or electronics.

 

This architectural installation is part of the Time Space Existence exhibition, running throughout the summer and into autumn. 

 

Powered by Nature, Not by Machines

The pavilion owes its motion to purely passive physical principles. There are no circuits or wires—only sunlight and air. 

 

The structure’s responsive elements use small air canisters, which react when heated by solar rays. 

 

As the internal pressure increases, air flows into inflatable components, gently moving hinged panels.

 

This creates a system that behaves almost organically. As the sun shifts, the pavilion alters its posture, giving more or less sombra (shade in spanish)  based on solar intensity.

The pavilion owes its motion to purely passive physical principles. There are no circuits or wires—only sunlight and air. / Photo SOMBRA
The pavilion owes its motion to purely passive physical principles. There are no circuits or wires—only sunlight and air. / Photo MVRDV

A Geometry Guided by the Sun

SOMBRA’s design mirrors the movement of the sun itself. Six arched ribs point to the sky at angles corresponding to solstice positions. 

 

The top and bottom curves trace the sun’s journey during the year’s longest and shortest days.

 

Between these ribs lie triangular panels made of perforated aluminum. In low sunlight, the panels stay open, letting visitors enjoy the view through patterned light. 

 

As sunlight intensifies, they close, casting restful sombra across the space.

Elegance in Motion Without Emissions

The responsiveness of SOMBRA is not only poetic, it’s environmentally conscious. With zero operational carbon emissions, it’s a prototype for climate-aware design. 

 

This is architecture as sustainability—not just reducing harm, but actively mimicking nature to maintain balance.

 

Bertrand Schippan, a partner at MVRDV, explains: “We believe that future buildings should behave like living organisms. SOMBRA is one example.”

 

A Universal Message Carved in Light

Visitors standing on the pavilion’s circular floor are walking across a solar path chart—the very map used to design SOMBRA’s structure.

 

 Above them, the ribs carry inscriptions in over 200 languages: “sun and shade.” It’s a poetic gesture that underlines how humanity, across cultures, shares the elemental experience of light and sombra.

This is architecture as sustainability—not just reducing harm, but actively mimicking nature to maintain balance. / Photo SOMBRA
This is architecture as sustainability—not just reducing harm, but actively mimicking nature to maintain balance. / Photo MVRDV

Built Through Collaboration

SOMBRA is the result of cross-disciplinary cooperation between Metadecor, Airshade Technologies, Alumet, MVRDV, Van Rossum Ingenieurs, Arup, Kersten Europe, and AMOLF Institute. 

 

It’s more than a design; it’s a statement about the potential of collaborative, sustainable innovation.

 

After its stay in Venice, plans are underway to bring SOMBRA to other cities. 

 

Wherever it travels, it will continue to demonstrate how thoughtful design can harness nature’s power gently, without compromise.

Quick FAQ

  • 1. What powers SOMBRA's movement? Natural heat from the sun triggers air-based mechanics—no electricity is used.
  • 2. Where is SOMBRA currently located? It is exhibited in the Giardini Marinaressa in Venice as part of Time Space Existence.
  • 3. How does SOMBRA respond to sunlight? Panels open or close based on sun intensity, offering dynamic shade throughout the day.
  • 4. What does the name SOMBRA mean? It’s a blend of Latin for sun (sol) and shade (umbra), reflecting the pavilion’s essence.

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