ADHOC architectes installs reflective paper windmill canopy in québec
images © ADHOC architectes

 

 

 

for the 2015 SPOT qc (sympathique place ouverte à tous), ADHOC architectes teamed up with a group of students to create and build an outdoor stage canopy called ‘vol-au-vent’ for the architectural event in québec city, canada. the main theme of the gathering was ‘play’, which remitted the team to their childhood years when they enjoyed games with handmade paper windmills. to recreate this feeling they decided to design an installation that would cross the venue from side to side and hang the paper objects from there.

adhoc architectes
the vol-au-vent installation creates a tree-like canopy during the daytime

 

 

 

‘vol-au-vent’ is an organic installation that brings together a simple construction method with a playful character. each paper windmill is made of an ultra reflective film designed for road signs that glistens in the light. as the day goes by, the canopy transforms itself from a tree-like shadow producing object to a festive starry sky that shimmers under the stage spotlights. with its multiple reflections on hundreds of windmills spinning in the breeze, and blurring the line between public art, architecture, and urban design, ‘vol-au-vent’ creates a unique atmosphere in a forgotten space in the city.

 


the video shows the 2015 edition of SPOT qc
video courtesy of SPOT qc – sympathique place ouverte à tous

adhoc architectes
the organic installation brings together a simple construction method with a playful character

adhoc architectes
the beauty, lightness, and simplicity of the paper toy windmills created an unexpected and charming atmosphere 

adhoc architectes
the windmill installation shimmered every time the stage lights went on thanks to the reflective paper

adhoc architectes
multiple reflections were created on the hundreds of windmills spinning in the breeze

adhoc architectes
axonometric view of the project

adhoc architectes
the assembly process of the windmills

 

 

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: juliana neira | designboom