Stardust Pavilion: A Mesmerising Installation Unveiled for Art Basel 2023 in collaboration with Miami's Design District

December 5, 2023

Miami's Design District becomes the canvas for an extraordinary blend of art and architecture at Art Basel 2023 with the unveiling of the Stardust Pavilion.

This groundbreaking installation, created by Flare Studio in collaboration with Artworks and OTIIMA, promises to be a unique, experiential highlight, captivating the imaginations of art enthusiasts, design lovers, art collectors, and architects alike. In collaboration with the Miami Design District, Flare is highly pleased to announce that the Stardust Pavilion will also hold within it a work of art by an internationally renowned artist whose works are not usually accessible at this level of intimacy. 


Stardust Pavilion is a visionary creation that reimagines the art experience. Drawing inspiration from the architectural tradition of 17th-19th century "Follies," this ephemeral glass and steel structure reimagines the boundaries of design, aesthetics, and the environment. A testament to human ingenuity and creativity, visitors enter a world where geometry, light, and reflection converge to create an intimate, sensorial experience with themselves, art and their surroundings. 


Once inside Stardust, visitors will find themselves enveloped in a mesmerising dance of light and reflection as if surrounded by mesmerising clusters of stars that resemble cosmic dust. The installation's transparent and reflective surfaces create an illusion of shimmering particles suspended in space, blurring the lines between reality and imagination. 



Standing 10 feet tall, the Stardust Pavilion features four openings that provide picturesque views of the natural world outside, allowing visitors to connect with the landscape and the art inside in a dance of perfect harmony. The interior space, spanning 217 square feet, reveals a mirrored ceiling and glass walls that create an ever-changing play of movement and light. Stardust transforms into a captivating garden lantern at night, where fireflies and dragonflies grace the space with their ethereal dance. 



Stardust Pavilion is the first in a series of collectable editions of ephemeral, bespoke pavilions inspired by the architectural tradition of 17th-19th century "Follies." These structures are crafted in Europe with precision and designed to serve various purposes, from intimate art galleries to retreats set in natural landscapes, pop-up dining pavilions, and more. They are constructed using high-end materials and can be easily assembled on-site, offering flexibility and seasonality. 


Stardust Pavilion is not just an installation; it's a transformative experience that blurs the boundaries between art and architecture. Stardust, Amaranta and Ana & Chiara will go on display and be open to the public on November 18, 2023. The Stardust Pavilion and furniture series are being constructed in Europe in partnership with Artworks and Otiima and support from Mineral System. 

By OTIIMA MMTW April 24, 2025
There is a particular kind of silence in Mediterranean architecture. A silence made of sun-bleached walls, filtered light passing through wooden slats, and open courtyards that breathe with the wind. Today, this timeless language is being rewritten—minimal, restrained, and yet deeply rooted in the rituals of the land. A Tradition Reinvented Modern Mediterranean architecture doesn’t mimic the past. It refines it. The terracotta is still warm, the limestone still rough, but now the lines are sharper, the spaces more fluid. Architects are reclaiming the vernacular, not as nostalgia, but as a source of resilience, comfort, and sensory clarity. Its architecture is made to age with grace. Made for slowness, for texture, for shadow.
By OTIIMA MMTW April 17, 2025
At the heart of every Laney LA project lies the pursuit of something greater, timeless yet undeniably fresh. In SC Residence, the Los Angeles-based studio partnered with OTIIMA to push boundaries in aesthetics and performance. We sat down with the architects behind the project to discuss their approach, the power of collaboration, and how innovation can shape the cities of tomorrow. A Practice Rooted in Time and Experimentation For Laney LA, design is not simply a choice between old and new; it’s about finding the balance between the two. “Our studio is constantly searching for a design that embodies timelessness and innovation. Timelessness includes staying power and that rare ability to remain relevant over time. Innovation feeds our curiosity as we are oriented toward noticing new ideas.” This mindset requires continually questioning conventional design norms. Which rules are worth preserving, and which are meant to be broken? For Laney LA, the tension between the two is where meaningful architecture begins.
By OTIIMA MMTW April 10, 2025
In architecture, inspiration is everything. It drives concepts, shapes materiality, and defines the experience of space. But finding fresh ideas, especially in a fast-paced, globalized industry, requires more than scrolling through image feeds or revisiting old references. It demands a mindset of curiosity, observation, and intention. Here are six practical ways to uncover and turn meaningful architectural inspiration into project-defining ideas. 1. Diversify Your Sources of Inspiration Expand your creative horizons by exploring areas beyond architecture, such as art, literature, music, and nature. This holistic approach can introduce innovative concepts that can be adapted into your architectural work. Tip : Shift your perspective by exploring different forms of creativity to break through creative blocks.
By OTIIMA MMTW April 3, 2025
The world of architecture and design is filled with inspiring events throughout the year, but April stands out as a particularly dynamic month. With a lineup of prestigious exhibitions, fairs, and industry gatherings, it offers a unique opportunity to engage with groundbreaking ideas and emerging trends. In this article, we explore the top architecture and design events taking place this April, from the artistic influence of Art Paris to the innovation showcased at Expo 2025 Osaka. Art Paris 2025 Grand Palais Éphémère, Paris | April 3–6, 2025  A celebration of contemporary art, Art Paris returns with a focus on architectural influences in modern creative expression. Featuring an impressive selection of galleries, this edition highlights the dialogue between art and space, offering a unique perspective for architects seeking inspiration beyond traditional frameworks.
By OTIIMA MMTW March 27, 2025
March 27 marks the anniversary of Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, one of the most influential architects of the 20th century. His philosophy, built on clarity, simplicity, and material honesty, continues to inspire contemporary architecture. His work embodies a timeless vision that remains as relevant as ever. Here are five key lessons architects today can learn from Mies van der Rohe. Less is More Perhaps his most famous principle, “Less is more,” summarizes Mies’ approach to design: stripping away the unnecessary to reveal the essential. His buildings are characterized by clean lines, open floor plans, and an absence of ornamentation. This philosophy encourages architects to prioritize spatial clarity and material integrity, resulting in structures that are modern and enduring.
By OTIIMA MMTW March 20, 2025
Scandinavian architecture and design represent a deep connection between nature, functionality, and the human experience. Grounded in a landscape of vast fjords, endless forests, and soft northern light, it reflects a unique philosophy and way of life. The Origins  The origins of Scandinavian architecture date back to the Viking era, when timber structures and intricate carvings reflected a profound connection to materiality and craftsmanship. As centuries unfolded, this reverence for natural materials persisted, evolving with the changing needs of modern society. The early 20th century witnessed the emergence of Nordic Classicism, a restrained yet elegant style that soon gave way to a more functional and human-centric approach: Scandinavian Modernism.
By OTIIMA MMTW March 13, 2025
Belgium’s topography is a delicate balance between history and modernity. From Bruges's medieval charm to Antwerp and Brussels's bold contemporary structures, architecture here is a study in balance. Minimalism finds a profound expression where clean lines, raw materials, and seamless transitions define space. At OTIIMA, we are privileged to contribute to this evolving narrative, shaping spaces where glass dissolves into air, thresholds blur, and architecture becomes an experience. In Belgium, three projects reference our philosophy: Villa Izegem, Villa P, and Villa V à Harelbeke. Villa Izegem | Govaert & Vanhoutte Architects Villa Izegem is an ode to minimalism in its purest form. Govaert & Vanhoutte Architects sculpted a space where vast glass expanses erase the boundary between nature and dwelling. The land breathes through the structure, light carving its way across surfaces, shifting with time. OTIIMA’s ultra-slim profiles amplify this sense of weightlessness, ensuring that nothing interrupts the dialogue between inside and out. The villa is not simply inhabited; it’s a quiet retreat where transparency is the ultimate luxury.
By OTIIMA MMTW March 8, 2025
Visionary minds have long shaped the architecture industry, yet women architects have fought for recognition in a male-dominated field for decades. Today, their contributions are undeniable, with groundbreaking projects that push the boundaries of design, functionality, and sustainability. This article highlights a few remarkable projects led by women architects that demonstrate their profound impact on modern architecture. 1. Heydar Aliyev Center – Zaha Hadid  Zaha Hadid’s Heydar Aliyev Center in Baku, Azerbaijan, is a remarkable example of architectural fluidity and innovation. The building features a sinuous, wave-like form that challenges traditional architectural norms, creating an uninterrupted spatial experience. Renowned for her bold and futuristic designs, Hadid proved that architecture can be functional and sculptural. The center is a cultural hub that embodies modernity and movement in its design.
By OTIIMA MMTW March 6, 2025
Chinese architect Liu Jiakun has been honored with the 2025 Pritzker Architecture Prize, recognizing his contributions to contemporary architecture. This prestigious award, often called the "Nobel Prize of Architecture," celebrates Liu's work, which harmoniously blends traditional Chinese aesthetics with modern functionality.
By OTIIMA MMTW February 27, 2025
As the 2025 Academy Awards approach, the spotlight is once again on the art of filmmaking, a fusion of storytelling, visual composition, and immersive world-building. Among the many crafts that shape a film’s identity, set design plays a pivotal role in defining cinematic spaces' realism and aesthetic coherence. The relationship between film and architecture is more than just a visual spectacle; it studies how space, light, and structure influence perception and emotion. 
More Posts