The Whirlwind Pavilion

by Jsyoshi21 in Craft > Art

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The Whirlwind Pavilion

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The Whirlwind Pavilion reimagines theme park design by proving that temporary structures can be both sustainable and stunning. Inspired by the ever-moving energy of amusement parks, this pavilion showcases how eco-friendly materials—like recycled cardboard tubes and durable canvas—can create an immersive, functional space without leaving a lasting footprint. Often overlooked, temporary architecture holds the key to a greener future, offering adaptability and reduced waste while maintaining beauty and innovation. By blending environmental responsibility with the excitement of themed entertainment, the Whirlwind Pavilion challenges the industry to rethink its approach, encouraging a future where design is thought provoking in a thrilling kind of a way.

Supplies

I used different softwares to complete my project

  1. Rhino 3D
  2. D5 Render

Research and Inspiration

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Traveling amusement parks have always inspired me because of how they create these exciting worlds that can be packed up and moved somewhere new. The way flat rides are temporary and adaptable made me think about how architecture could work the same way. I wanted to design a pavilion that isn't just portable but also environmentally friendly, using materials like cardboard tubes and canvas. I was really influenced by Shigeru Ban’s Paper House, which showed how simple, sustainable materials could be turned into functional and creative spaces.

Images Sourced on Google Images and Shigeru Ban Architects Website

Concept

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I was really inspired by Da Vinci’s Aerial Screw because it showed how simple materials could be used to create something futuristic and innovative. His design, which represented an early idea of flight, made me think about how movement and structure can work together in theme park rides. With this in mind, I sketched a concept for a shade cover for a spinning tea cup style ride, using lightweight and sustainable materials. The shape of the cover follows the spiraling motion of Da Vinci’s invention, making it feel dynamic and connected to the movement of the ride. I wanted it to not only provide shade but also enhance the experience by creating a unique and futuristic look that blends history with modern design

Design 3d Model

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For my 3D model, I used Rhino software to bring my design to life. To create the shade structure, I worked with Grasshopper in Rhino, which helped me build the complicated corkscrew form. This allowed me to achieve the twisting shape inspired by Da Vinci’s Aerial Screw while keeping the design functional. I also incorporated cardboard tube structures to reinforce the pavilion’s eco-friendly concept. Along with that, I added the ride vehicle assets and the turntable, where the ride will be placed, to complete the full layout. Using these tools made it easier to experiment with the form and structure while staying true to my vision for a futuristic yet sustainable theme park design

Render

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In my render, I used D5 Render to bring the design to life with realistic details and atmosphere. The software allowed me to apply textures and assets to the building, creating a visually rich and immersive environment. I also used it to shape the surrounding area, integrating elements that complement the pavilion’s aesthetic and functionality. One of the most exciting aspects was experimenting with lighting, adjusting brightness and shadows to enhance depth and mood in the scene. D5 Render helped refine the overall look, making the project feel dynamic and polished while staying true to my original concept.

Conclusion

Working on the Whirlwind Pavilion was an exciting experience that strengthened my skills in 3D modeling, texturing, and rendering while exploring innovative architectural concepts. Experimenting with dynamic forms, sustainable materials, and immersive lighting helped bring my vision to life, blending futuristic inspiration with practical design. This project challenged me creatively and technically, pushing me to refine my process and think critically about theme park structures, which can be temporary. The journey of developing this concept was both rewarding and insightful, preparing me for future projects that merge sustainability with imaginative design.