The Flower Kiosk

This project came about as part of a change of use application for the neighbouring retail unit, which had previously been used as a florist.

The concept for the rippling CNC-cut timber layers of the facade came about from an ambition to reinvent the conventional idea of a floral motif.

Inspiration came from electron scanning microscopic images of flower petals, which reveal tiny three-dimensional ridge patterns across the petal surface. These ridges intensify the colour of the flower and act as a graspable surface for bees and other insects.

Using both digital and traditional fabrication techniques, the ridges are referenced in the form of the kiosk, so that the nano-condition of the petal is translated into a contemporary interpretation of the floral motif at the architectural scale.

The lozenge shape of the kiosk rotates to be open during the day, creating space to prepare and wrap the flowers. The flowers are displayed on shelves that are placed on the surrounding pavement, and stored and locked in the kiosk at night.