A competition to design a mobile exhibition pavilion dedicated to free speech has been launched on the first anniversary of the Charlie Hebdo terrorist attacks in Paris (7 January), when two gunmen murdered 12 people at the satirical magazine, including the publication’s editor and three fellow cartoonists.
Plans for the so-called Charlie Hebdo Portable Pavilion were announced by the Hong Kong-based firm Bee Breeders, which organises architectural competitions “focusing on initiating progressive ideas”.
“While the pavilion is meant to be temporary, entries will be judged on their ability to leave enduring social and political footprints,” says Eva Connell of Bee Breeders. The pavilion should be transportable and must be able to travel to locations worldwide.
Participants are asked to consider the content of the pavilion exhibitions which “can be directly influenced by Charlie Hebdo cartoons, or can be more symbolic and globally representative when participants think more about the concept of the freedom of speech in general”, says Connell. Asked if Charlie Hebdo has given its consent, she says: “We are still trying to get hold of them and involve them somehow.”
Advance registration fees for the competition are $120 for companies and $100 for students. Three winning proposals will be announced 6 April with a cash prize of $6,000 for the first prizewinner. Judges include Audrey McKee, an architect at the Renzo Piano building workshop in Paris, and Jenna Dezinski, a lecturer at the University of Texas.
