The Naomi Milgrom Foundation has revealed the design of the 2019 MPavilion, to be built in Melbourne, designed by Australian Pritzker Prize laureate Glenn Murcutt.

“The MPavilion design is a crisp white building that will be lit at night like a lantern, giving the pavilion a feeling of lightness,” Murcutt said. “For me it was central to establish a sense of place for visitors – to view from within the building, the gardens, the river, and the city.”

The design consists of a steel framed rectangular building with wing-like trusses covered in translucent fabric. It is inspired by a memory of using a light aircraft wing as a temporary shade while on a trip to Mexico and the Yaxchilán ruins. The pavilion will have a membrane-lined, curved roof and flaps shaped like aeroplane fins to provide shade and shelter from the rain.

It will be open on the north and south elevations and will have views towards the city and the river. Alcoves at each end of the 30 metre long pavilion will be lined with membrane externally with timber slat pivot doors internally.

The design reflects Murcutt’s significant contribution to climate-responsive architecture and his career-long interest making efficient use of the site

“Glenn’s very thoughtfully considered MPavilion reflects everything the world has come to love and appreciate about his distinctly Australian design practice over fifty years. I’m excited to bring a new Glenn Murcutt design to life for the community to share.”

The MPavilion will be open from 14 November 2019 to 22 March 2020. Murcutt’s design will influence the theme for a full program of free events through the season.