During its last period as UK City of Culture 2017, Hull saw the monumental temporary installation of a new ‘room’ for the city created by sixteen galvanized steel columns arranged in a grid formation in front of Hull Minster. The project became the first ever GAGA Construction Industry Choice Award winner.
Pezo von Ellrichshausen worked with Swiss artist Felice Varini to create the outdoor ‘room’ transforming Trinity Square. Visitors to the installation were able to inhabit each of the 6 m high columns and experience varying light conditions created by perforations in the steel skin. The rigid geometry of the columns were carefully distorted and redefined by the artwork of Varini.
Marie Bak Mortensen, Head of Exhibitions at Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) said: “The architect was so excited by the use of galvanized steel that the entire project was made in galvanized steel.” Hull Pavilion (A Hall for Hull) is a joint commission by Hull 2017 and RIBA, supported by the galvanizer and the British Council.
The project received the highest number of votes in the first ever ‘voted for’ category within the GAGA competition.
Architect: Pezo von Ellrichshausen
Image: Thomas Arran, Pezo von Ellrichshausen