pILOTI

Bellevue, WA (2023)

Ultra-thin, Self-supported, Aluminum Rotunda Structure

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

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

All images are copyrighted by THEVERYMANY and Younes Bounhar / Doublespace Photography (No use or reproduction allowed without written authorization).

Commissioned by the City of Bellevue, PILOTI is a striking rotunda structure designed by Marc Fornes and THEVERYMANY, standing as an iconic entrance to Bellevue’s Downtown Park. This ultra-thin, self-supported installation is a harmonious fusion of elegance and structural innovation, utilizing a lightweight aluminum surface that gracefully unfolds into a complex, umbrella-like canopy.

At 7.2 meters tall and composed of 6,665 unique aluminum parts held together by 180,900 rivets, PILOTI’s circular geometry is created from an aggregation of smaller umbrellas. Each umbrella element is supported by a slender, stiletto-thin column, branching upward with intricate, twisting forms that blur the boundary between the inside and outside. These column capitals cantilever gracefully, while folded edges ensure resilience against high wind loads. The structure's fluid design blends function with aesthetic, balancing lightness and strength in an elegant expression.

PILOTI's surface is adorned with a constellation of tiny openings that not only contribute to the assembly process but also filter light throughout the day. By night, these openings transform into a canvas for diffused illumination, creating a welcoming, ethereal glow. The structure becomes a landmark by day and a beacon by night, guiding visitors into the park and enhancing their experience with moments of discovery.

The rotunda is both a formal gateway and a dynamic gathering space for the community, offering a programmatic flexibility that invites everything from casual conversations to weddings and celebrations. Whether pausing to admire its form or spending time beneath its canopy, PILOTI provides a memorable and immersive environment for park-goers, fostering connections and shared moments.

Designed with community engagement in mind, PILOTI is not just a functional entrance but a place of wonder and interaction, blending architectural innovation with everyday urban life.