Hanasame by MarkAdamson from

Hanasame - 花雨

(flower rain)

The conceptual proposal for Matsuyama design week focuses on the seed as a symbol of natural regeneration. Each seed holds within it the potential for new life, but its success is determined largely by its dispersal. The wrong moment and the seeds will die, but the right moment will see new flowers grow, adding colour and life to the landscape. The release of the seeds is thus the most important event in the plant’s life cycle and the culmination of a year’s effort.

The proposal for Matsuyama design week seeks to capture the process of seed dispersal through a series of installations across the city. Symbolic ‘seeds’ will be planted in key public areas in the form of large scale helium balloons. Each balloon will be transparent and filled with colourful flower petals from local Ehime species such as cosmos, cherry blossom and rapeseed. The balloons can vary in size from 2m diameter up to 15m and can be grouped together in a cluster of smaller balloons or as one singular element. At night the balloons will be internally illuminated providing a colourful temporary landmark and gathering point for evening events.

The culmination of each installation will see the ‘seed’ erupt, the balloon skin will pop and the flower petals held inside will fall onto the area below. These moments can be scheduled providing specific events throughout the design week which visitors can attend. The petals will form a colourful carpet transforming Matsuyama’s urban spaces into temporary meadows.