Eight meters long and almost three meters wide; it arrives on a flatbed truck and is assembled in three hours. It’s the latest (mini) project of the Bouroullec brothers, based on the principles of design for assembly and disassembly, which means thinking about architecture as an object that can be broken down into parts, assembled like a construction game, and recyclable as well.

A philosophy of ‘making’ that fits right into the design history of the French duo, because as Erwan Bouroullec emphasizes, “there is always a sort of responsibility or everyday ethic that accompanies our work.”

Kiosque – as it is called – starts as a prototype for a new store concept, commissioned to the French designers by the real estate company Emerge. The first one has been placed along the tree-lined avenues of the Tuileries Garden, in Paris, and donated to the city for social and cultural projects.

The structure is composed of modular steel parts alternating with large windows, which coincide with the elevation on the short sides: a system of sliding panels, however, makes it possible to completely darken the facades.

A large accordion roof is placed atop the building, with large overhangs around the edge (containing the lights), to create shade and shelter from the weather, as well as a pleasant outdoor space below.

The uses for the object are many: from retailing to temporary exhibitions, neighborhood meetings to public assemblies.

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Text by Laura Ragazzola