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Light Balls Creating Interactive Urban Experiences with Semi-Translucent Fabric

Author:
Arianaq Ribas Garcia
Light Balls Creating Interactive Urban Experiences with Semi-Translucent Fabric
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Composed of light balls made from semi-translucent fabric and supported by flexible polycarbonate structures, the installation creates individual cabins for dancers while enhancing the urban experience through sound and interactive lighting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Floating light balls create an interactive installation in urban spaces.
02
Each cabin offers an isolated sound experience for individual dancers.
03
Semi-translucent fabric allows light to diffuse and engage passersby.
04
The installation adapts to various locations with flexible assembly options.
05
Air pumps inflate the structure, transforming its shape for user engagement.

A series of light balls simulate a galaxy of planets and asteroids in an urban setting in Berlin. Each spherical structure serves as a cabin for a single dancer while adding an artistic touch to the environment. The design concept focuses on adaptability and user experience, merging performance art with architectural elements.

Installation and Access

The design allows for quick and efficient setup in various locations. Users enter the cabins using a folding ladder, making access simple. Inside, an air pump activates to inflate fabric petals, transforming the space into an engaging environment. This interaction between people and structure highlights the project's immersive nature.

Acoustic and Visual Experience

Key to the design is the integration of sound and lighting elements, which are placed at the top of each cabin. These features provide an individualized audio experience, ensuring that sounds do not disturb nearby residents. By combining visual and acoustic considerations, the design respects the urban context and allows participants to enjoy diverse music while remaining considerate of the surrounding area.

Structural Components

Each cabin consists of several essential elements that contribute to its function and appearance. A wooden platform, shaped from two semicircles, forms the base of the cabin. Six flexible polycarbonate bars connect this base to upper and lower fixation pieces, creating a sturdy structure. The air pump, discreetly located beneath the platform, is responsible for inflating the outer fabric petals, which are made of semi-translucent material featuring sealed air pockets. This combination enhances both the structural and visual characteristics of the installation.

The illuminated effect from the cabins creates a pattern of light across the urban landscape. The semi-translucent fabric allows light to diffuse outward, engaging passersby. This interplay of light and rhythm invites people to observe the visual spectacle of the cabins, showcasing a lively interaction between art, performance, and public space.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

`
Competition organisers

Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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