in the changning district of shanghai, atelier yokyok has conceived of a site-specific pavilion titled the ?cobalt muffin?. appearing like a cloud floating over the lawn, the concept behind the design focuses on rethinking the border of art and architecture by creating a bright and colorful dialogue between geometry and materiality. constructed from 60 triangles covered in a semi-transparent skin made of blue elastic ropes, the new intervention invites passersby to observe and interact with the structure.

all images courtesy of atelier yokyok
 
 
the design has been developed by yokyok to consider the lively location. yuyuan road, where the pavilion is positioned, boasts a number of shops, fashion stores, art galleries, offices, restaurants and housing. with this diverse neighborhood, cobalt muffin intends to provide the perfect setting to host events and talks during its 10 month duration on the site.
 
 
the design takes the shape of a rhombicosacron polyhedra cut in half. to ?levitate? the dome off the ground and create its light appearance, poles have been extended to lift the structure 2 meters 20 in the air. in total, 7.5 km of rope has been used to realize the installation, as well as a tubular metal structure to resist tension, time and weather.

 
 
for this project, yokyok wanted to create a geometric surprise in the urban landscape. exploring ideas of geometry and materiality, the relationship between art and architecture, the pavilion in essence invites...