COS X snarkitecture slope sinuous, suspended 'loop' in seoul

new york design studio snarkitecture — the collaborative of alex mustonen and daniel arsham — has created ‘loop’ for international fashion brand COS. the interactive installation is based on the childhood memory of marble games, and comprises a series of sinuous and suspended sloped tracks. the course becomes animated by a steady hum of white glass marbles gliding along the interwoven rails. the tracks continue into an adjoining room where the spherical objects are deposited, forming a sea of scattered discarded marbles.

the work comprises a series of sinuous and suspended sloped tracks
all images courtesy of COS

drawing inspiration from COS’ affinity with playful modern design, ‘loop’ creates an array of uniquely kinetic moments as the visitor’s vantage point changes. ‘children and play inspire our work,’ explains snarkitecture team. ‘the way that children interact with our physical and architectural surroundings is completely different to adults.’ using precision engineering, four unique tracks — each measuring 100 meters (328 feet) in length — intertwine to create a complex labyrinth.

‘loop’ is animated by a steady hum of white glass marbles

the sculpture comes to life as one marble is released on to a random track every five seconds. the installation seeks to create a rhythmic yet surprising moment for visitors, while inviting them to explore, contemplate and reflect. there are approximately 100,000 glass marbles in the gallery space, each 25 millimeters in diameter. ‘loop’ remains on view at seoul’s gana art center until november 19, 2017

the interactive installation is based on the childhood memory of marble games

white glass marbles glide along the interwoven rails

‘loop’ creates an array of uniquely kinetic moments as the visitor’s vantage point changes

this latest collaboration with snarkitecture continues COS’ long tradition of collaborating with artists and designers. during milan design week 2017, the fashion brand teamed up with london-based duo studio swine to create ‘new spring’ — an interactive sculpture that emitted mist-filled blossoms that burst upon contact with skin, but lingered on textured fabrics. designboom co-hosted an evening in conversation with studio swine, delving into the making process of ‘new spring’, its manifold influences, and the creative collaboration with COS. ‘new spring’ will soon be presented in south florida for the 2017 edition of design miami/.

one marble is released every five seconds