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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 Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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Competition organisers

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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