Acclaimed architecture studio MAD has created an innovative installation titled the Ephemeral Bubble, which presents the appearance of a bubble being blown by a century-old wooden house, designed specifically for the Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale in Japan. Situated in Murono Village in the serene Japanese countryside, the bubble, crafted from a PVC membrane, integrates with the historic China House Huayuan. This unique structure is dedicated to showcasing Chinese art and culture. The Ephemeral Bubble aims to establish a conversation with the ancient Japanese landscape, offering a temporary, adaptable space that reflects the lightness and translucency of air. This expansive bubble, connected to the historic home, inflates to provide a versatile area suitable for performances and ceremonies, embodying a biomorphic design inspired by natural forms. The installation also encourages spiritual exploration through its ethereal presence.
MAD describes the Ephemeral Bubble as a playful, interactive space ideal for emotional and spiritual engagement, emphasizing the importance of experiential design. In the evenings, the bubble illuminates from within, casting a lantern-like glow that transforms its interior into a realm of soft light. Visitors can gaze through the semi-transparent walls, where the outside world is perceived as a blur of colors and shapes, enhancing the dreamlike atmosphere. This installation not only adds a contemporary twist to the historic wooden house but also rejuvenates it, giving the impression that the house is whimsically blowing bubbles as it dreams. Architect Ma Yansong likens this fusion of old and new to the house breathing new life, blending virtual and tangible elements to revitalize the ancient structure, thereby infusing it with a renewed sense of vitality.
