MIRA is part of a continuing research emphasis which started with Sømaerke (Aarhus, Denmark 2015 and Cottesloe, Australia 2016): structures built of simply stacked wood along the coastline that serves as both a marking point while generating identity of a new space. Carefully located on a terrace between two fortified walls, it overlooks Angra’s bay, allowing a distinct view of both the city and the sea while being seen from afar, drawing visitors to an unnoticed fringe of the urban park.

In the Azores, the structure takes the shape of a ‘burra de milho’, a traditional maize crib used to dry and store corn that once commonly punctuated the landscape but is now rarely found. Pyramidal in shape and with a hexagonal base, these structures were built of six pine beams and thin slats where the cobs would hang from to dry.

MIRA mirrors the silhouette of a granary but is slightly more complex in shape – a heptahedron where the apex rotates towards the base defining a hyperbolic paraboloid surface and dividing the pyramid in two sides: one faces land and is a shelter, providing protection to a stage or as a place to gather; the other is a small amphitheatre facing the sea with unimpeded view of the ocean. The pavilion is open and will be defined by people’s momentary decisions of its use.

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Materials: Cryptomeria
Dimensions: 5 x 4,33 x 3,75 m