micro atelier de arquitectura e arte install gira spinning installation in porto

micro atelier de arquitectura e arte have installed a temporary art installation in porto – portugal’s second largest city. the studio constructed the large ‘gira’ spinning wheel at the center of the city, in celebration of the st john festival which takes place every year on the 23rd of june. the design features hundreds of traditional plastic hammers which have been tied to the exterior, in order to form a vibrant mutli-colored membrane. 

image © carlos lobão

the moving installation uses a swivel mechanism that allows users to rotate the structure manually once inside. the collaborative project encourages people to play, interact and enjoy the celebration through active participation. micro atelier de arquitectura e arte desired to create an interactive piece that would act as an urban landmark within the square. through a whirling sphere of color, the firm played upon the festival’s cultural traditions, reinforcing the symbolic meaning and importance of the annual event to visitors and inhabitants of the city.

the installation uses a swivel mechanism that allows users to rotate the structure manually once inside

‘gira’ uses hundreds of traditional plastic hammers

the studio constructed the large ‘gira’ spinning wheel in the center of the city

the installation takes part in the st john festival in porto

the plastic bottles create a colorful membrane 

the interior

the users turn the installation through a swivel mechanism

the installation is placed at heart of of porto

‘gira’ acts as a urban landmark within the city

plan

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: hollie smith | designboom