Circle|Square by Davidov Architects has been selected by Tadao Ando for this year’s MPavilion Chair Commission. The Pritzker Prize Laureate and MPavilion 10 architect chose the design, created by Robert Davidov, Wendy Chen and Ben Schmideg, from almost 100 submissions – an MPavilion record.

‘It was an honour and great fun to select the winner of the MPavilion 10 Chair Commission competition,’ said Ando from Osaka. ‘Davidov’s concept shares my fascination with the geometry of circles and squares and is responsive to the pavilion’s design.’

‘We congratulate Davidov Architects on winning this year’s Chair Commission and for their deep consideration in responding to Tadao Ando’s design. We look forward to seeing the visual synergies between the two,’ said Naomi Milgrom AC, commissioner of MPavilion. ‘The Foundation is grateful for the thought and care so many established and emerging designers put into their submissions. Despite a tight brief, we saw scores of highly creative and captivating designs.’

Davidov Architects shared their aim was to resonate with Ando’s MPavilion 10, to capture the circle and square and little else. ‘We hope our chair is seen by visitors as approachable but in line with Tadao Ando’s powerful MPavilion 10 design. The Circle|Square rejects notions of decoration, focusing instead on the honest use of sustainable materials and the legibility of form. Its carved curved seat and locally sourced Radiata Pine echoes the pavilion’s simplicity while adding familiarity and warmth.’

A highlight of every MPavilion edition, the Chair Commission this year anchors 10 creative commissions in celebration of MPavilion’s decade. Stay tuned for their unveiling in the months to come – but for now, delve deeper into Davidov Architects’ winning Circle|Square design.

MPavilion 10 Chair Commission: Circle|Square by Davidov Architects, photograph by Eve Wilson for The Design Files.

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