2023
In collaboration with Hanyi Zhang
Site & Concept
The project is a proposal for an installation in the Ciudad del Saber (City of Knowledge) in Panama City for the Transversal Installation Competition organized by NewArch Competitions.
Enchanted by Panama City’s vibrant climate marked by ample sunlight and the vivid colors inherent in its traditional crafts, Shimmering Shimmering Molas is an interactive installation that explores the transformative interplay of lights, shadows, and colors. Visitors find themselves surrounded by colorful curtains adorned with Mola-inspired patterns, manipulating them to reshape ever-changing images through the interplay of fabrics and shadows. Recycled bottles, brought by visitors, are integrated into the installation to create reflections and refractions that enhance the visual spectacle.
At the heart of the project stands a tree, acting as a focal point that naturally draws people on sunny days. The ever-shifting dance of shadows cast by the tree adds an extra layer of intrigue to the overall experience. Positioned at the nexus of educational institutions, public spaces, and residential areas—adjacent to schools, a gym, a convention center, and dormitories—the installation seamlessly intersects with the daily lives of students, educators, and the public, fostering a shared space for creativity and contemplation.
Materials & Construction
The installation utilizes locally sourced bamboo as its primary material, employing two different diameters for constructing posts and rods. After extensive research into pertinent construction techniques, we chose a combination of lashing and bending methods that are both facile and visually appealing, as depicted in the detailed drawings below. Translucent fabrics are suspended using ropes and bamboo rings, while recycled bottles find a home in string bags tied to ropes connected to the bamboo rods. The construction minimizes waste, and the majority of materials are reusable post-installation.