An Urban Stage for the Eisteddfod

Urban stage designed for a wide variety of performances, with the circulation of larger groups considered, in the summer Eisteddfod Festival in Cardiff Bay. The form of the towers strived to celebrate the iconic Pink Pavilion that made a starring appearance at the Eisteddfod for 10 years. The pavilion was retired in 2015, which disappointed regular visitors

This was accomplished most obviously with the playful pink tensile roof material, made up of 3 pieces per layer. These segments allow for appropriate air resistance within the layers and tackle flooding issues on the flat roof while adding aesthetic value. The bright colours and abstract form, achieved with scaffolding, make the stage a visual attraction to the deserted docks, subsequently providing bigger audiences for performers and more people to stallholders.

The stage’s location on site has facilitated this; due to its central position, making it widely visible and allowing the circulation of crowds around the monument that is the stage. The temporary scaffolding structure creates a geometric, interesting response to the Pink Pavilion. This choice of materiality marks Cardiff Bay’s industrial history. Further, the scaffolding provides an opportunity for full reuse after the week of the festival, enabling a long life, meaning the expense (both environmental and financial) of its extraction and development is worth it. Other materials will be donated to local schools for crafts and woodwork.

Holistically, this project was driven by its celebration of past Eisteddfod festivals, specifically the Pink Pavilion, and how this could be achieved sustainably while respecting the Bay and its own history.