The Pedrali Pavilion
The Pedrali Pavilion by AMDL CIRCLE and Michele De Lucchi takes the form of a large raised roof that houses two exhibition levels, the one on the first floor hosting the exhibition “Pedrali60, we design a better future” curated by Luca Molinari Studio, while a large ground-floor portico traces a path that helps us reflect on the need to find a shared dimension in which to build our future.
The entire structure of the Pedrali Pavilion is in PEFC-certified wood, a material that embraces both the artisan tradition and production innovation that lies at the heart of the company's core values. The project meets Pedrali’s need to create a temporary, agile, functional architecture that sums up its desire for continuous renewal and is destined to a second life within the Headquarters in Mornico al Serio, in full harmony with the surrounding territory.
The rectangular Pavilion takes the shape of a large vaulted roof resting on solid wooden legs, underscoring the importance of nomadic, easily transferable architecture.
The main structure consists of arched portals, connected to one another by horizontal beams. On the upper level, a second frame of joists intersects with the extradoses to support the large, larch shingle roof which descends to envelop the fir flooring. Both sides of the Pavilion are open, allowing natural light to flood the
interior. On the ground floor, the exposed piers constitute the structure’s symbolic legs and create an evocative portico.
Visitors are greeted by an entrance staircase that serves a dual purpose: an access point to the exhibition and a platform where visitors can rest or sit and take part in presentations and talks. At the top of the steps stands a wing that houses the reception area and hides the space behind it from view, arousing curiosity about what lies beyond; and, indeed, it is here, in the gallery suspended between the arches, where the tour begins.
The exhibition snakes along two wooden panels that progressively trace the company’s 60 years through the voices of the leading figures, the prototypes, the graphic designs, the catalogues and the projects that have made the company grow over time. “The exhibition offers a critical re-interpretation of an important element of Italy’s design scene, and a look to the future drawing on Pedrali’s strong entrepreneurial and innovative drive. Community, research, experimentation, sustainability, widespread quality, strong ties with the territory,
and a two-way dialogue with designers are just some of the elements that characterize the exhibition and its paths,” says the curator Luca Molinari.
On one face of the double-sided panels physical objects are displayed, while on the other monitors are hanged collecting the evidences and voices of the Pedrali community. The wooden pedestals, between the arched portals, put the spotlight on the most iconic design pieces, revealing the expertise and production skills
of this 100% Made in Italy company. The route ends at the open end of the gallery like an invitation to look forward towards the outside world and the future.
A second staircase leads to the portico on the ground floor, where the exhibition continues. This space is inspired by the loggias of ancient public buildings, once at the centre of civil life in northern Italian towns, in which citizens could stroll, interact, and take shelter from the weather. The Pedrali Pavilion also seeks to serve as an invitation to reflect on the responsibility of each individual with regard to the precarious balance of our planet. In line with this reflection, a metaphorical forest of mirrors has been set up, interspersed with panels featuring the faces and words of people who passionately build the Pedrali community, day after day. The
layout is designed so that visitors can immerse themselves and get lost in a magical forest in which the images of those who work at Pedrali today are added to their own refractions, thereby creating a prismatic portrait of a community that is growing ever wider and ideally extends to everyone, projecting the company towards its future.
