Shadow Play Beijing
Program
/ Kids InstallationLocation
/ 751 District, Beijing, ChinaSize
/ 15 SQMClient
/ BJDWScope
/ Installation DesignStatus
/ Completed 2016Collaborators
/ Kids Design Week BeijingTeam
/ Carolyn Leung, Ben de Lange, Ruben Bergambagt, Casper Kraai, Huimin Xie, Pablo Gonzalez GonzalezSuperimpose Architecture responded to the Beijing Kids Design Week theme, ‘Grow Down and Shrink Up’, by creating ‘Shadow Playground’. This interactive and low-tech installation is meant for the young to ‘grow’ and for the adults to be playful. It brings imagination to kids and adults in a simple and low-tech way.
The installation blurs the differences between all ages by using shadow. The black silhouette doesn’t reveal specific features nor represents our age. ‘Shadow Play’ is accessible, inviting people of all ages to explore the simple relationship between light, body and the shadow. ‘Shadow Play’ is neither an obstruction nor an art piece. It is an open for all, user-friendly, spatial and most important of all, it is fun.
Instead of solid walls, textile is being used. The textile is flexible and allows for light transmission. The fabric is sculpted as a cone, 2-meter-tall, with a 1.4m diameter base tapered up to a 700 mm diameter top. A series of eleven cones is suspended from the ceiling, while partially hung upside down to allow shadows to be casted differently. Together, the cones form an architectural composition. Superimpose collaborated with a local Beijing tailor to develop and design the specificities of the installation.