O H . N O . S U M O

- - PAPER SKY- -

The Paper Sky was a spatial installation created for the Poggenpohl showroom as part of Urbis Design Day 2010, that used 20,000 hand folded paper modules to make 1 immersive spatial experience.

The brief called for the effective display of the Poggenpohl kitchens, while linking together separate parts of the showroom, including multiple floors.

The key aims of the project were: (a) to create a unifying surface that connected the disparate spaces of the showroom, (b) to provide a high impact, event based, spatial intervention for our event partners, Poggenpohl, which resulted in a fun and immersive experience for visitors, (c) to create a highly flexible modular system that was capable of quick installation and alteration, (d) to extend our practice research into the use of recyclable paper pulp products in design and construction, (e) to design a production system for the manufacture and assembly of the installation that could be efficiently staffed by a team of volunteers and ourselves, (f) to provide an entirely reversible transformation of the showroom.

The design response was to look to what space within the showroom could be used without obscuring the kitchens and that occurred in each part of the showroom. The result was 20,000 hand folded paper modules that formed a flexible modular ceiling that ran through the showroom. Eventually having a surface area of 300m² and utilizing over 6,000 nylon fixings (which were later returned to the manufacturer), the ceiling undulated to create intimate hollows and expansive spaces that reflected the forms of the kitchens.

Designed as a flexible tetrahedron system of two interlocking module units, the system was able to dip down over bench tops, roll gently over cabinetry and soar over sinks. The triangulated form allowed for intuitive sculpting of the final form over each kitchen rather than having to adhere to a predetermined layout. This allowed for quick on-site alterations and the opportunity to quickly fine-tune the spatial volumes.

Structurally the blanket of triangulated folded paper functions well under compression. Under tension a lightweight nylon net tied to the back of the blankets acts to stop the paper tearing. The net is then hung from the existing suspended ceiling grid. This aspect of the project also responded to the overall theme of Urbis Design Day, “Off The Grid”, by dispensing with the ubiquitous suspended ceiling grid and installing a flowing double curved cloud-like surface.

The paper modules provided a consistent material texture and shape throughout the showroom that provides continuity for the visitor that was previously absent. The subtle differentiation of the spaces was achieved by controlling the lighting effects in each space. The highly polished lacquered surfaces in the kitchens reflected the installation pattern further, blurring the edges of often small spaces.

The Paper Sky was entirely built by a volunteer labour force, some of whom have no background in design or construction. This was essential for the quantity of work that needed to be done on a highly restricted budget. As such the modular system was designed to involve time and labour saving efficiencies. ‘Folding parties’ also created auxiliary social events which brought people together around design.

- AWARDS -
2010 - Best Awards - Spatial Category - Silver Award

- PROJECT PARTNERS -

POGGENPOHL KITCHENS NEW ZEALAND
- Ross Longney
- Lara Farmilo
- www.auckland.poggenpohl.com/seite/home.html

URBIS MAGAZINE
- Nicole Stock
- www.urbismagazine.com

- SPONSORS -

SPICERS PAPER
- www.spicerspaper.co.nz
- Paper sponsorship

GEON
- www.geongroup.com
- Die-cutting sponsorship

HI-Q COMPONENTS
- www.hiq.co.nz
- Cable tie sponsorship