MAD architects' ephemeral bubble in japan gently revives century-old house

ephemeral bubble by MAD Architects

Architect Ma Yansong from MAD Architects has revealed its latest installation, Ephemeral Bubble, at the 2024 Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale. Integrated into a century-old house in the Murono Village, the organically-shaped structure opens a dialogue with the ancient Japanese countryside, resembling a bubble being gently blown from the traditional wooden structure. Ultimately, this design offers a temporary, flexible space that mimics the lightness and translucence of breathing air.

all image © Zhu Yumeng

biomorphic design for emotive and spiritual exploration

The biomorphic design of the Ephemeral Bubble draws inspiration from nature, featuring fluid and soft shapes in its form. This concept by MAD Architects (see more here) also introduces a playful and interactive space, making the experiential installation ideal for emotive and spiritual exploration, emphasizing the importance of engagement in design. Inside, the space feels expansive and undefined, suitable for performances, ceremonies, gatherings, and other events. The installation reflects the surrounding greenery and colors within its white interior, creating an atmosphere of soft light.

Ephemeral Bubble by MAD Architects

breahting new life into century-old house in japan

Creating a fusion of virtual and tangible elements, combining the old and the new, Ephemeral Bubble brings new life into the ancient building. ‘The Ephemeral Bubble exists within the traditional village while intentionally appearing without origin, embodying a deliberate ‘de-symbolization’ to infuse new cultural vitality,’ concludes MAD. The century-old house, now known as the China House Huayuan, has been a hub for Chinese artistic expression and cultural exchange since its inauguration in 2016. It continues to be a vital link between Chinese and Japanese artistic communities at the 2024 edition of the Echigo-Tsumari Art Field.

inside, the space feels expansive and undefined

Japan’s Echigo-Tsumari Art Festival, launched in 2000 and occurring every three years, stands as the world’s largest international outdoor art festival. Since its inception, the festival has brought together nearly a thousand artists from over 100 countries and regions to create art for the exhibition. Most of these artists visit the exhibition site and participate in the creation personally. More than 230 permanent works, accumulated over the past 25 years, are scattered throughout Echigo-Tsumari, earning the festival the nickname ‘an art museum without a roof.’

creating an atmosphere of soft light next to a century-old-house in Japan