Just in: Our MPavilion10 Chair Commission shortlist is Circle|Square by Robert Davidov, Wendy Chen and Ben Schmideg of Davidov Architects; Cork by Gaby Miègeville-Little; and Pillar by Dalton Stewart & Shalini Rautela. Pritzker Prize Laureate and MPavilion 10 architect Tadao Ando selected these three concepts from nearly 100 submissions, the most we have ever received.

Key to our free five-month design festival, the winning Chair Commission will be onsite for all to use when Ando’s MPavilion opens in the Queen Victoria Gardens this November. Congratulations to our shortlisted designers, who’s designs are introduced below – tune in here, on Instagram or LinkedIn as we reveal the winning design at 2pm 27 July.

Circle|Square
Robert Davidov, Wendy Chen and Ben Schmideg of Davidov Architects

The Circle|Square echoes Ando’s affinity for the simplicity of figurative geometry. It aims to resonate with his MPavilion in a simple and effortless way – to capture the circle and square and little else. The design rejects notions of decoration, opting instead for the honest use of sustainable materials and the legibility of form. The carved curved seat detail and use of locally sourced timber (Radiata Pine) furthers the pavilion’s focus on simplicity while adding familiarity and warmth.

Cork
Gaby Miègeville-Little

Through its tactility and simplicity, the Cork stool seeks to bridge the space between the human form and monolithic MPavilion 10. Cork was chosen to support this mission; its naturally granular composition serves as a reminder of the manual intervention needed to process the material, while the sculptural curves carved into the seat introduce a concern for comfort. Galvanised steel matches the organic underbelly of the seat, offering a robust base able to form a tight-knit cluster or standalone experience.

Pillar 
Dalton Stewart & Shalini Rautela

The Pillar stool evokes Ando’s dialogue with nature, balancing a tension between his dualistic confrontation of complex spatiality and geometry. Constructed from dark salvaged Australian Blackwood and Blackbutt, it alludes to the absence of native trees around the site, encouraging a deeper understanding of history. As single units, the stools present as three planes of two-toned hardwood; when stacked, they interlock to form a column. Through other assemblages, further functional possibilities are created, diversifying how the pavilion and its furniture can be used.