The pavilion SOMBRA is in Venice, where it is part of the Time Space Existence exhibition during the Biennale Architettura 2025, from May 10th until November 23rd. But we are happy to give the visitors of Future Façade a preview of the project and its innovative technology. SOMBRA is a statement, the product of a collaboration of creative and ambitious minds. SOMBRA is a living and breathing object that reacts to the sun – closing during the day and opening up again at night – without the use of electricity or solar panels. SOMBRA is powered by air.
Initiated by Metadecor and Airshade Technologies, the SOMBRA project is a collaboration between leading experts: MVRDV (architecture), Alumet (anodizing), Van Rossum Engineers (structure), ARUP (mechanical engineering and sunlight studies), Kersten (bending), and AMOLF Institute (actuation). During Future Façade, the partners in SOMBRA will give a joint presentation each day, in Theatre 2 at 14:15 hrs. A small mock-up of the pavilion is part of the Maze of Innovations.
The sun – a blessing and a curse
Architecture begins with the sun. It is a constant, shaping how we live, move, and design. SOMBRA explores how the light of the sun – and its absence (shade) – defines space and how architecture can respond dynamically to these conditions.
The sun is essential, yet unforgiving. It brings light and warmth, but when intense and oppressive, it renders spaces uninhabitable. With rising temperatures and climate change, shading is no longer a secondary concern—it is a necessity to create occupiable urban spaces. The traditional solution has been to shut the sun out completely, enclosing buildings as sealed, air-conditioned boxes. But this approach is flawed, consuming more energy than it saves and enforcing spatial boundaries between indoors and outdoors.
Dynamic shading
SOMBRA introduces dynamic shading—a living, breathing system that adapts to the sun. Air-powered and non-electric, it is a zero-emission approach to controlling light, heat, and ventilation. The pavilion’s skin, developed with Airshade Technologies and using soft robotics technology, consists of moveable aluminium elements that filter sunlight, creating an ever-changing pattern of shadow and light.
SOMBRA provides shelter and protection, but also interacts with the sun, breathing with heat and air. In deference to the powerful presence of the sun, its form follows the solar path at 35°12.6′N 24°54.6′E, a point between Venice and Dubai. Angled south, it relies on sunlight to function. It is not just a shelter but a performance—an architectural experiment in dynamic shading.
An architectural tool
Shading is more than a functional necessity; it is an architectural tool. It sculpts spaces, plays with perception, and introduces movement. Light filtered through intricate patterns adds depth and character to surfaces. It can be fixed, or it can respond.
Architecture today must go beyond aesthetics and function and strive to both reduce the environmental impact of building construction and operation and align itself with natural systems.
Sensible use of materials
SOMBRA is a case study in responsible material use and intelligent design that does just this. Its aluminium structure incorporates redundant materials, reducing waste. The skin comprises high-recycled-content aluminium, though challenges persist in this material’s procurement—limited availability, high costs, and long lead times. These issues highlight the urgent need for a more circular building economy.
The anodized finish in AluBronze balances efficiency and aesthetics. Darker tones enhance Airshade’s performance, while the lighter finish optimizes solar reflection. The result is a durable, highly resistant surface with a 40-year lifespan, achieved without adding additional material layers.
A manifesto – a challenge
SOMBRA is a manifesto. It challenges architects, engineers, and designers alike to rethink shading, material use, and energy efficiency while showcasing how façades can be not only multifunctional but also responsive, and beautiful.
SOMBRA is part of the Time Space Existence exhibition in the Marinaressa Gardens in Venice, during the Biennale Architettura 2025 (May 10 – November 23, 2025).
