BOUNCING INTO COMMUNITY FUN

Designed by Aether Architects, Air-Mountain’s interior space serves as the venue for concerts, theatre performances, forums and workshops. At the same time, the external space shaped by the inflatable architectural form is used as a public leisure space, inviting visitors to climb, sit and lie on its surface.

The architectural design of Air-Mountain focuses on two main concepts: ‘micro-ecological geometry’ and ‘multidimensional relationship, multidimensional phenomenon.’ The idea of ‘micro-ecological geometry’ centres on creating a final architectural form based on the environmental demands and requirements of the event.

The bubble-like geometry of the pavilion is constructed using air and layers of plastic to create the domed structures, allowing users to bounce on the inflatable surface. At the top of the larger domes, a hole has also been implemented to allow the flow of air.

The concept of a ‘multidimensional relationship’ relates to the idea of architecture having not just one single function. For Air-Mountain, the architect envisions the form not as an independent physical entity, but a fusion of architecture and surroundings, the fusion of different activities, the fusion of different states and behaviours, and the co-relationship between something manmade and nature.

The multifunctional pavilion offers a variety of uses for visitors. Inside, the space provides a quiet place to enjoy a performance or gather with friends, while the exterior surface provides a more informal and playful function, inviting people to interact with the architectural form.

Via designboom | All images © Zhang Chao