tham & videgård: cloud chamber

‘cloud chamber’ by tham & videgård

1:1 architects build small spaces exhibition victoria & albert museum, london on now until 30 august 2010

this week was the opening of the ‘1:1 architects build small spaces’ exhibition at the victoria & albert museum, london. the show consists of concept designs from nineteen invited firms. responding to specific locations in the museum, the architects explored themes such as study, work, play, performance and contemplation. seven of the proposals were then selected for construction at full-scale. the concept models and presentation panels for all nineteen submissions are on display in architecture gallery 128a.

swedish firm tham & videgård is amongst the nineteen firms who are displaying their work — ‘cloud chamber’.

‘cloud chamber’ model

resembling an abstract wooden cloud or fallen star, ‘cloud chamber’ houses projectors and screens programmed with time-lapse imagery of cloud formations. contrasting with the solid, emphatic exterior, every surface of the interior is covered with these film projections, thus offering an experience of weightlessness and intangibility. the architects propose that after the exhibition the structure would be hollowed out and become a children’s storytelling shelter.

‘cloud chamber’ in the exhibition space

‘cloud chamber’ outdoors

‘cloud chamber’ perspective view

‘cloud chamber’ perspective view

‘cloud chamber’ floor plan of the gallery in V & A