pILOTI

Bellevue, WA (2023)

PILOTI.
Ultra-thin, Self-supported, Aluminum Rotunda Structure

Commissioned by the City of Bellevue, WA.
Design + Computation by MARC FORNES / THEVERYMANY.

Photography by Younes Bounhar / Doublespace Photography.

Dimensions: 7.2m high
Material: 3mm Aluminum
Linear Cut Distance: 23,378m
Number of Parts: 6,665
Number of Rivets: 180,900

PILOTI. is an elegant Rotunda serving as entrance to Bellevue’s Downtown Park. Its structure is an aggregate of smaller umbrellas blending a series of elements into one single surface:

- Its circular overall geometry is created from an aggregate of “umbrellas”.

- Each umbrella is supported by a stilleto-thin column.

- Each column’s capital is branching and opening up with a manifold twist: the inside of the column becomes the outside, and reverse.

- Each cantilevering edge is folded to resist high wind loads.

- Each pleat is detailed with a scalloped edge, as a reference to historical marquise.

- The entire rotunda is covered with a distributed constellation of tiny openings, which serves simultaneously as practical detail for assembly and as a filter for natural light during the day, and diffuse lighting at night.

The rotunda is both an informal signal for the entry of the park, an immersive experience for the curious, but also a informal programmatic space where one can celebrate from weddings to birthdays…

We sincerely hope everyone in the community enjoys spending time under it and creating unique memorable moments with their kids, family and friends…