AVNRWORLD

I was spellbound when I came across an unusual and innovative design at the P.S. 1 Young Architects Program design competition. The installation by Bjarke Ingels Group succeeded in bringing runners-up prize to the up-and-coming Danish firm. This interesting design consists of 99.9% air that is shaped into a cloud-like landscape for playing, relaxing, and dancing. The installation provides everything from seating to playgrounds to water to shade to light.

Bjarke Ingels Group’s cloudscape takes you from the entrance to the courtyard in a continuous form. It basically take three main forms - a bubbly dune, a three-dimensional cumulus landscape and a cluster of free floating cirrus clouds. If you wish to see the bubbly dunes, you will have to visit the big rectangular courtyard, where you will find the dunes forming a mega air mattress for playing and physical activity and a paddling pool surrounded by bouncy seating.

The three-dimensional cumulus landscape can be seen in the main courtyard with a covered chill out area of air mattresses and beanbags as well as a shaded bar for staff and guests, while just above the DJ and dance floor is a cluster of free floating cirrus clouds. They can be deflated, forming S-shapes that can be easily folded into Manhattan Portage Bags. Unique number with the pattern and folding instructions are printed onto the bags for convenience.