# Reclaimed Concrete Pipes Transformed into Modular Pavilion in Mumbai An innovative design gives discarded infrastructure a second life as public architecture. - **Source:** [architecture archives | designboom | architecture & design magazine](https://brifing.si/source/1e716da2-18e6-4704-96a6-818e7860b99f) - **Published:** 2026-09-10 - **Topic:** [Design & UX](https://brifing.si/c/design) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/9b7f356e-b253-4e9a-a978-502f6eb79246 ## From Infrastructure to Architecture The Re:Concrete project transforms discarded precast drainage pipes into a public pavilion along Mumbai's coast. Typically buried underground, these concrete cylinders with 2.1m diameter are repurposed as walls, seating, and light wells. The design challenges conventional concrete disposal methods by preserving the original forms rather than crushing them into aggregate. This approach retains the embodied energy and manufacturing work already invested in these components. ## Competition-Winning Concept The project received an Honorable Mention in Buildner's international Concrete Pavilion Competition, which sought innovative approaches to concrete reuse. Architects Kaixin Su, Taoyu Han, Jialu Hou and Shivani Rastogi proposed reimagining concrete's architectural potential beyond its first life cycle. The competition specifically addressed concrete's environmental impact as one of the world's most widely used building materials. Their solution demonstrates how rejected or surplus components can gain new functionality. ## Modular Design System The pavilion uses standardized 2.5m-long concrete pipe sections in various configurations. Some pipes remain whole while others are cut longitudinally into curved segments. These elements are rotated and suspended at different heights to create varied spatial experiences. The dry-assembled, reversible system allows for expansion or reorganization based on available materials. This flexibility makes the design adaptable to different locations and material availability scenarios. ## Spatial Experience The arrangement creates a dynamic sequence of compressed passages and open clearings. Ground-level segments serve as seating and thresholds, while elevated pipes form light wells. Gaps between components frame views of the sea, and sunlight moves across concave surfaces throughout the day. The design maintains the pipes' industrial character, leaving joints and weathered surfaces visible rather than concealing them. This creates a dialogue between perceived weight and visual lightness. ## Material Philosophy Re:Concrete addresses concrete's paradoxical nature - valued for durability yet frequently discarded prematurely. The project demonstrates how precast elements rejected for construction can still have structural integrity for secondary uses. By preserving original forms, it avoids the energy-intensive crushing process typically required for recycling. The pavilion becomes both functional space and material exhibit, inviting visitors to reconsider conventional disposal practices. ## Contextual Relevance Mumbai's rapidly developing waterfront provides an ideal setting for this intervention. The city's ongoing land reclamation and infrastructure projects constantly reshape its coastal edge. The pavilion makes visible the material systems usually hidden beneath urban surfaces. Its location transforms what would be waste into a prominent public feature, creating awareness about resource consumption in construction. ## Sustainable Impact The project extends concrete sustainability discussions beyond new mixtures and efficient casting techniques. It demonstrates architectural value in existing components, shifting focus from material consumption to creative reuse. Each repurposed pipe represents significant CO2 savings compared to producing new concrete. The modular approach also allows components to be reused again after the pavilion's lifespan, creating a circular material flow. ## Broader Implications Re:Concrete offers a scalable model for sustainable urban development. Its principles could apply to other cities facing construction waste challenges. The project proves that infrastructure components destined for disposal can become civic assets. By combining environmental responsibility with architectural innovation, it sets a precedent for how designers might approach material reuse in future public projects. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.designboom.com/architecture/cut-rotated-suspended-concrete-pipes-reusable-pavilion-mumbai/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._