phu hoang office + rachely rotem studio: exhale

‘exhale’ by phu hoang office and rachely rotem studio photographer: robin hill

a collaboration between phu hoang office and rachely rotem studio, ‘exhale’ is a work of site-specific ephemeral architecture, designed for the oceanfront pavilion for the art basel design miami 2010. the project was the winning entry in the art basel miami beach and creative time oceanfront competition.

composed of seven miles of reflective and phosphorescent ropes, the 25,000sq. ft pavilion is designed to interact with its visitors and environment. its ropes not only sway with the breeze but also glow in response to certain wind speeds. some sensors are mounted at human height, so simply blowing on the ropes will activate the ultraviolet lights in that section, causing it to glow.

‘exhale’ in place

the effect of this flow of light echoes the phenomenon of bioluminescent algae visible in the ocean nearby. during the design process, hoang and rotem considered both the aesthetic and technical aspects of the site, and arranged for the donation and reuse of the rope, concrete, and steel following the demolition of the pavilion at the close of the exhibition.

additional views of ‘exhale’

above all, the space is designed to be used. each night, djs and video and performance artists fill different sections of the pavilion, and day and night hammock clearings provide a space for people to rest and swing within the structure.

‘exhale’ detail

during the opening of the pavilion space

performer on the night of the opening

‘exhale’ along the beachfront

artist rendering of the space

floor plan diagram 1. information point 2. hammock clearing 3. rope tower for dj performances 4. floating rope installation 5. bar 6. rope tower for video screening 7. video art screen

‘exhale’ in construction: raising the north tower image courtesy of phu hoang office and rachely rotem studio

‘exhale’ in construction: leveling to place foundations image courtesy of phu hoang office and rachely rotem studio