Waugh Thistleton Architects Unveils “Pavilion of the Moment” at Global Design Forum Istanbul

Waugh Thistleton Architects, a London-based studio known for its expertise in timber construction, has constructed a distinctive wooden pavilion for the Global Design Forum Istanbul. Named "Pavilion of the Moment," the temporary installation is situated in the historic grounds of the Ottoman-era Topkapı Palace, adjacent to Istanbul's oldest church, Hagia Irene. The pavilion, presented at the Global Design Forum Istanbul from May 14-15, 2026, was conceived to explore the interplay between architecture and the ephemeral nature of human existence.

Architectural Concept and Design

The pavilion presents a striking contrast of forms: a cube-shaped exterior encasing a spherical interior. This geometric duality directly references the nearby Hagia Irene, a seventh-century Byzantine church renowned for its impressive dome roof. The design aims to create a space that feels open, calm, and inviting, encouraging visitors to slow down and experience the changing qualities of light, shadow, and movement within the palace grounds. According to Andrew Waugh, co-founder of Waugh Thistleton Architects, the design reflects on transience and an architecture that is lightweight, adaptable, and responsive, rather than permanent or monumental.

Materiality and Construction

Constructed from standard-profile planks of Turkey-grown pine, the pavilion features a simple lattice structure forming four permeable six-by-six-metre walls. The timber is arranged with horizontal pairs of thin boards sandwiching chunkier vertical boards. These vertical boards fan outwards on each elevation, creating an effect where they appear to emanate from the cube's centre, suggesting a state of flux or disintegration. The ends of the vertical planks are stained ochre, a nod to the 18th-century "Turkey red" dyeing technique and the country's association with scarlet hues. A small wooden plinth, also ochre-stained, raises the base of the cube, with a gently sloping ramp providing access.

Inside, the upper and lower layers of the walls taper inwards to form a spherical, cocoon-like space, complete with bleacher-style seating. A square skylight allows natural light to penetrate the interior, where floorboards and ceiling boards are arranged in matching concentric squares. The interior environment is designed to be shady and cooled by cross-breezes, fostering a sense of public mediation akin to its ecclesiastical neighbor.

Temporary and Responsive Architecture

The "Pavilion of the Moment" marks the first contemporary installation within the Topkapı Palace complex. Its demountable nature stands in deliberate contrast to the monumental and historic architecture surrounding it. Due to stringent time constraints and access limitations at the historic site, the architects prioritized a design that permitted rapid fabrication and assembly with minimal equipment. A team of carpenters erected the pavilion in just four days. Furthermore, the inability of vehicles to enter the palace grounds necessitated that each component be light enough for manual transport and positioning.

Key facts

• Project Name: Pavilion of the Moment
• Architect: Waugh Thistleton Architects
• Location: Topkapı Palace, Istanbul, Turkey
• Event: Global Design Forum Istanbul
• Materials: Turkey-grown pine, ochre stain
• Theme: Praise of Transience

Waugh Thistleton Architects collaborated with the Turkish National Wood Association on this project, reinforcing their established reputation for innovative timber construction. The firm is recognized for pioneering mass-timber structures, including the world's first mass-timber tower, Murray Grove in London, and the world's largest cross-laminated timber building by volume, Dalston Works. This project highlights their continued commitment to sustainable and adaptable architectural solutions.

The development of such temporary, demountable structures within highly sensitive historical contexts offers valuable lessons for architects, designers, and city planners. It demonstrates how contemporary design can engage with heritage sites respectfully, providing new public spaces and experiences without imposing permanent interventions. The focus on local materials and rapid assembly also underscores practical considerations for projects in challenging urban or historical settings.

Source: Dezeen: https://www.dezeen.com/2026/05/19/global-design-forum-istanbul-waugh-thistleton-pavilion/