Young Maltese architecture graduates design and construct concrete pavilion in Denmark

EASA (European Architecture Student Assembly) is a network of architecture students from all over the continent. Every summer the assembly takes place in a different European country with 500 design students, graduates and tutors living together in a self-sustaining, communitylike setting. The assembly lasts two weeks and includes lectures, building and theoretical workshops, as well as other cultural and architectural endeavours. The event was held in Valletta in 2015.

This year, two Maltese architecture graduates, Lucia Calleja and Katrina Gauci tutored the concrete workshop Current in the beautiful town of Fredericia, Denmark. Twenty participants from all over the world worked hand in hand with the tutors and sponsors to create a permanent structure in the town’s vibrant harbour.

Current is a pavilion composed of gradient spaces that serve as protection from and celebration of Fredericia’s continuous rainfall. The integration of porous and non-porous concrete modules results in highly contrasting volumes that flow seamlessly into one another, controlling the passage of water.

The dynamic structure provides grounds for recreation, encourages users to strip away formalities and ultimately provide a hospitable social environment. This is in line with this year’s theme, Hospitality. Finding the framework, which resonates with the history of Fredericia and the challenges the city now faces. This also links to the current political situation in Europe and the world.

Throughout the event, all members of the team worked together to assemble the formwork, prepare, mix and pour the concrete. The students left with a better understanding of how concrete is made and the complexities of one of the most prevalent materials in the architecture industry.

“Having the opportunity to really work with a material we so often 'specify' as architects or architecture students has been an amazing and fulfilling experience,” says Polly Amery from Wales. “I am so grateful to have been able to contribute to such a great project.”

The Current pavilion provides a new space for the community and visitors to interact and socialize, while also offering a unique way of experiencing the rainy season.

The workshop was sponsored by multinational building materials company Cemex and supported by local fabrication company Dfab studio.