Piloti Installation by MARC FORNES by THEVERYMANY – Architectural Landmark in Bellevue, Washington

The Piloti Installation, designed by MARC FORNES / THEVERYMANY, stands as a remarkable fusion of architectural innovation and sculptural elegance in Bellevue, Washington. Commissioned by the City of Bellevue, this ultra-thin, self-supporting aluminum shell structure rises as an iconic gateway at the entrance of Downtown Park, inviting visitors into the green expanse beyond while establishing a striking urban landmark.

Rising 7.2 meters tall, Piloti is composed of 6,665 unique aluminum components meticulously connected with 180,900 rivets, forming a singular, all-encompassing rotunda. The structure’s design draws inspiration from the umbrella—a motif reimagined through contemporary parametric geometry. Each umbrella-like module is delicately elevated on slender columns, appearing to float and defy gravity, creating a sense of weightlessness and ethereal presence.

Piloti’s columns, capitals, and ceiling are seamlessly integrated into a unified structural form, where the boundary between inside and outside becomes fluid. The capitals twist and branch outward in dynamic geometries, generating a living, ever-changing visual experience. Along the perimeter, an elegant cantilever with intricately folded pleats and scalloped finials reinforces structural resilience while referencing historical marquee ornamentation in a modern expression.

The installation’s perforated aluminum surface serves both functional and aesthetic purposes. By day, natural light filters through its openings, casting delicate, shifting shadows below. By night, these perforations transform into a soft, diffused glow, turning Piloti into a luminous beacon that guides visitors into the park. This interplay of light and shadow enhances the immersive experience, offering moments of surprise, reflection, and delight.

More than a structural marvel, Piloti functions as a community gathering space, blending shelter, landmark, and public living room. It fosters social engagement through casual exploration, spontaneous encounters, and celebrations—hosting weddings, birthdays, reunions, and other joyful events. Piloti’s open, airy canopy encourages visitors to linger, interact, and connect, transforming everyday urban life into an experience of wonder and togetherness.

In its synthesis of parametric design, lightweight aluminum engineering, and community-focused spatial programming, Piloti exemplifies the power of innovative architectural installations to inspire, shelter, and unify. It is a living, breathing piece of architecture that belongs to everyone who steps beneath its canopy, embodying discovery, delight, and shared urban experiences.

All Photographs are works of Doublespace Photography Younes Bounhar