polylester creates an oasis of colorful curtains in the heart of utrecht

design studio polylester has realized its vision for a towering, multicolored tripod structure in the center of utrecht. a commission by public works, ‘aura utrecht’, is comprised of three separate podiums connected by a series of lofty, angular arms. the pavilions themselves are defined by colorful, transparent curtains in a number of eye-catching hues, creating a dynamic space to serve as both an energizing field and calming oasis in the middle of the city.

children and adults alike feel compelled to interact

from the inside looking out, the world becomes tinted in an array of lively colors. from the outside in, the stages appear drenched in light, signaling the transition between the central train station and the west side of the city. in what polylester describes as an ‘egalitarian design’, the podiums are presented as multipurpose spaces — for quiet reflection, or raucous play.

the curtains, caught in a breeze, mark the ever changing form of the pavilion

a whimsical and living presence, aura’s lightweight PVC curtains twist and breathe, encouraging playful interactions and inviting residents to engage with the city around them. as the evening sets in, the three cylindrical volumes are a lit from within to become suspended, glowing lanterns. the passage of light through the curtains illuminates the surrounding architecture, projecting a wash of colors onto the pavement and shining a new light on the city at night.

offering a unique refuge, a lookout, a city stage and a monumental showcase, from within the three demarcated volumes utrecht’s inhabitants are granted a colorful view of the world around them. 

the relaxed nature of the strip-curtains invites people to enter aura utrecht from every direction

from the inside looking out, the world becomes tinted in an array of complementing colors

the material is robust, has a clear shape and color, and invites people to walk in and out

the transparent nature of the curtains creates a magnificent spectacle of filtered light

aura is a lofty, playful structure and a welcoming presence 

at night, the mood of the installation shifts as it becomes an otherworldly lantern

aura colors the city at night, becoming a stained glass lantern in the center of utrecht

the dynamic space serves as both an energizing field and calming oasis

rendering of the pavilion

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: peter corboy | designboom

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