Architecture studio Kilo has pitched a traditional Moroccan camel and goat wool tent in front of the patterned glass and metal facade of Jean Nouvel's Institut du Monde Arabe building in Paris.
French firm Kilo erected the 500-square-metre tent on the plaza outside the Institut du Monde Arabe – a research centre and museum dedicated to Arabic culture – situated on the bank of The Seine.
The temporary installation coincides with the institute's Le Maroc Contemporain (Contemporary Morocco) exhibition and is being used to host performances, as well as a cafe and shop selling Moroccan-inspired produce.
The studio, which has offices in Paris and Casablanca, covered the large rectangular tent with over 650 square metres of camel and goat wool, woven into long strips by members of a female cooperative in the Sahara Desert. The difference in tonality between the panels of wool gives the tent a patched appearance.
"The tent harmonises contemporary design and technical innovation with traditional fabrication methods," said the architects. "The rhythm and scale of the tent’s silhouette renders a topographic dimension to the structure, which pays homage to the nomadic traditions of southern Morocco."
Nine woollen peaks rise in front of the linear glass facade of the Institut du Monde Arabe designed by French architects Jean Nouvel and Architecture Studio and completed in 1987.
The texture and curving form contrasts against the smooth facade, which is patterned with geometric designs typically used in Arabic architecture and on tiles.
Beneath the woollen ceiling, the museum has attempted to recreate a souk-like atmosphere where works by Moroccan designers and craftspeople – including leather and wooden goods, and jewellery – are displayed and sold.
A performance space is hosting a variety of events over the duration of the show, and the cafe is serving a Moroccan-inspired menu of mint tea, couscous and traditional pastries.
The exhibition and tent will be open to the public until 25 January 2015.
Photography is by Luc Boegly.Â