Out of Nature

A Tidal Pavilion on the Thames
[8:00AM 9.26]
[9:30AM 9.26]
[1:00PM 9.26]
[3:30PM 9.26]
Exhibition
Lecture
Sightseeing
Performance

The project explores the architectural potential of the Rheotomic Surface, a type of minimal surface that inherently balances form and function. Similar to the geometry of a spiral staircase, the surface can grow infinitely upward while seamlessly connecting and blurring the boundaries between horizontal levels.

In this pavilion, two Rheotomic surfaces are intertwined to create a continuous circulation loop. One surface extends into the Thames itself, heightening the dramatic presence of the river by engaging directly with tidal movements. As the water rises and falls, the pavilion transforms—revealing or submerging terraces that invite people to experience the waterfront in shifting ways.

Situated at Leamouth South, a growing residential community along the Thames, the project responds to the area’s rapid urban development. While towers rise to accommodate housing demands, opportunities for accessible public spaces remain limited. The pavilion, conceived as part of a series of scattered structures along the riverbank, not only creates unique architectural experiences but also ensures the presence of small-scale public spaces for future residents. It becomes both a landmark on the river and a social anchor for the neighborhood, merging natural dynamics with human interaction.