In this proposal for MoMA’s Young Architecture Program we take the opportunity to further contemporary explorations of architecture’s potential to create sensory-charged environments, rather than finite forms. Offered is a participatory environment that reframes the conceptual relation between humankind and structure. It is an interconnected system of poles and nets whose equilibrium is constantly affected by human action and environmental factors, such as rain and wind. On discovery of its elasticity visitors engage with the structure, to envision games, test its limits or just watch it gently dance.

The system consists of a 12’ x 12’ grid of 25 feet tall poles. These poles are connected by elastic cords. Their movement is controlled by the elasticity of the cord. The grid accommodates a number of playful activators, such as hammocks, pulls and rain collecting plants. These leverage points are the interface between visitor and system. A local action allows a small transformation to ripple fully across the larger system. The gently swaying columns broadcast these ripples over the courtyard walls into the city and the world beyond.

An open net covers the entire field and controls the maximum pivot of the poles. The net gives the space a sense of interiority and amplifies the effect of movement. It supports a generous amount of multi-colored balls. The balls are used to calibrate the system, they offer shade, and give the overall structure the appearance of a game; a game of which the rules need invention. At two points the net drops down to accommodate a pool and a sand pit. The horizontal roof plane takes on the third dimension, but the form it creates remains a wireframe; a thin outline.

Deliberately indeterminate as such the framework anticipates a dynamic atmosphere. There is no baseline or reboot. It is a delicate construct of transforming frames, offering an intensely uplifting experience. We hope that such an environment reengages the public with the physical realm triggering increased awareness and care for ones direct environment.

SO-IL with Arup and 2×4 Announce the Completion of Pole Dance at MoMA, New York – click link to see the project completed.

ARCHITECT: Solid Objectives, Brooklyn, NY, USA, so-il.org. PROJECT TEAM: Florian Idenburg, Jing Liu,Ted Baab, Iannis Kandyliaris, Daniel Kidd, Eric Lane, Kenzo Nakakoji, Ilias Papageorgiou, Cheon-Kang Park, Liz Shearer. CLIENT: Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). LOCATION: New York, USA. STATUS: competition 1st prize, completed. AREA: 1500 sqm. DATE: 2010.

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