At the 2025 Time Space Existence exhibition in Venice, renowned Dutch architecture firm MVRDV unveiled the SOMBRA Pavilion—a compact yet visionary demonstration of climate-responsive design. Created in collaboration with Metadecor, Airshade Technologies, and others, the pavilion exemplifies a forward-thinking approach to sustainable architecture and material innovation. Designed to function without electronics or motors, SOMBRA introduces a passive kinetic shading system that adapts dynamically to sunlight using physical principles alone.

A Living Structure Inspired by Nature

The pavilion’s name, SOMBRA—a portmanteau of the Latin words sol (sun) and umbra (shade)—reflects its function as a responsive structure that interacts with solar conditions. Six arched metal ribs are oriented according to the sun’s path across the sky, with the upper and lower arches marking the summer and winter solstices. These ribs, made of reused metal beams from a previous project, support hinged triangular panels crafted from perforated MD Formatura sheets by Metadecor. These panels create a dappled light effect while allowing ventilation.

The key innovation lies in the panels’ passive kinetic behaviour: when exposed to intense direct sunlight, they close automatically to provide shade. In cloudy or indirect light conditions, the panels reopen to maximise views and airflow. This organic movement, mimicking the natural responsiveness of plants, enables the pavilion to “breathe” in tune with the environment.

Passive Actuation Through Airshade Technology

This kinetic response is made possible through Airshade technology, developed with principles from soft robotics. Each rib conceals air canisters that expand when heated by sunlight. The heat increases air pressure, pushing air into small connected airbags. As the airbags inflate, they contract in a muscle-like motion, overcoming spring tension in the hinges to close the shading panels.

Importantly, this system requires no electrical power or motors, resulting in zero operational carbon emissions. The SOMBRA Pavilion thus acts as a real-world experiment in low-impact, passive environmental control, with applications for sustainable facades, shading devices, and climate-adaptive architecture.

Universal Message, Circular Design

Beyond its technical innovations, SOMBRA offers a symbolic and educational layer. The circular base plate features an engraved polar sun path diagram, reflecting the sun’s influence on the design. Meanwhile, the underside of the arches displays the phrase “sun and shade” in over 200 languages, reinforcing the global relevance of our relationship with solar energy.

With its blend of material reuse, biomimicry, and climate-adaptive design, the SOMBRA Pavilion is a valuable case study for designers seeking sustainable and circular solutions in architecture, urban design, and product development.

Source: MVRDV
Photos: Federico Vespignani, Jaap Heemskerk