In the unique combination of historic precedence, patterns and theories architects construct visions of the future, impressing what life can be, or even what it should be. But as our designs are constructed, this future thought becomes a symbol of the now, future idealism evolves and unlike ourselves our architectural concepts sit like road signs in the rear-view mirror of time. Therefore when actually designing for ‘the future’  its not about idealism (though that’s still valuable) it’s about reconciling with the unknown and producing flexible spaces that can be moulded by the people who succeed us.

Seed Pod is a project built on flexibility. Intended as an exhibition space for the University of Sydney’s Engineering department, the structure is a demountable construction of prefabricated, steel, wood and fibre glass panelling. Its unique shape is wholistically structural, allowing different forms of landscape placement, whether that be on the ground, cantilevered or even hung in the air.

From the outside its skeleton is clad in smooth wooden panels with the grid shell viewable from its interior. In extreme climates internal insulation panels can be hung from this structure. The neck between pods is the point of entry, guiding visitors between a theatre/meeting room and the adjacent exhibition space. Its simple layout makes it easily adaptable based on the function, while the exposed structure makes uniquely curated showcases possible. Its ability to disassemble so easily lends to its reparability as parts are easily replaced, while also allowing it to evolve as necessary. New parts can be made to adjust its size and layout, or the existing parts can be reconfigured to completely change shape and design. This also makes it highly transportable as large sections or little pieces, it can be easily moved anywhere by almost anything, from aircraft to alpaca. This product of the past evolves with the challenges brought by time, renewing itself not just as a representative of now, but a consistent manifestation of the future.