Cumulus: A Cloud-Inspired Pavilion by daydreamers design

Immersive Art Installation Mimics the Fluid Motion of Clouds

Daydreamers design, a renowned design team, has created an innovative pavilion named 'Cumulus'. Inspired by the ever-changing motion of clouds, this unique installation was designed for the Swire Properties Art Basel Hong Kong 2018 VIP Lounge. The structure's ethereal beauty and innovative use of materials have earned it the prestigious Silver A' Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design Award in 2019.

The Cumulus pavilion is a stunning example of how nature can inspire art and design. The designers sought to soften and merge the boundaries between the celestial sphere and the vast landscape. The pavilion imitates and abstracts the motion of cumulus clouds, from the form to the graphics of the fabric. The installation features 23 layers of seamless fabric, up to 25 meters long, printed with a gradient blue that sways gently in the breeze. This design choice creates a floating illusion, further enhanced by the stunning Victoria Harbour sea view through the glass window.

Daydreamers design used 23 layers of silk chiffon fabric to create the illusion of clouds and provide a semi-private space for the VIP lounge. The fabric, which blooms in pale blue, was printed by one of only two fabric printing companies in the world capable of such a feat. The minimized wooden structure echoes the natural movement of cumulus clouds, further enhancing the design's unique properties.

The pavilion was constructed using 23 layers of semi-transparent Kvadrat's silk chiffon fabric, up to 25 meters long and 6 meters wide. The fabric was initially white, and a blue gradient was applied to create the desired effect. The seamless fabric was printed with a blue colour by one of the only two companies worldwide capable of printing continuously on a 25-meter-long fabric.

The pavilion measures 22 meters in length and 5.6 meters in width. It was designed to serve multiple purposes, including cocktail parties, book signings, lectures, and meetings. The front area houses a reception and bar for greeting guests, while the back-of-house is used for catering preparation and storage.

Daydreamers design faced several challenges during the creation of Cumulus. The pavilion was situated in a corridor, a long and narrow space with two large columns. The design team had to angle the overall structure and use fabric to mimic the fluid movement of clouds to cope with the site constraints. Furthermore, printing a 30-meter-long seamless fabric continuously was a significant challenge, overcome through research, constant communication, and sample review.

The Cumulus pavilion is a testament to the innovative and creative capabilities of daydreamers design. It showcases the beauty of nature and the endless possibilities of fabric as a medium for artistic expression. The design team's dedication to their craft and their ability to overcome technical challenges resulted in a stunning installation that has been recognized with a prestigious design award.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: Mr Siu Kwok Kin Stanley
Image Credits: Image #1: daydreamers design, Cumulus, 2018 Image #2: daydreamers design, Cumulus, 2018 Image #3: daydreamers design, Cumulus, 2018 Image #4: daydreamers design, Cumulus, 2018 Image #5: daydreamers design, Cumulus, 2018 Video Credit: daydreamers design, Cumulus, 2018
Project Team Members: SIU Kwok Kin Stanley CHAN Pui Hong Aden CHUNG Chiu Shan Tidus
Project Name: Cumulus
Project Client: Mr Siu Kwok Kin Stanley


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