inflatable donut structures form izaskun chinchilla's interactive pavilion in south korea

inflatable Bojagi Lounge in Seoul by Izaskun Chinchilla

Within a verdant area in Anyang South Korea, Izaskun Chinchilla Architects has designed an interactive outdoor pavilion using inflatable donut structures. Named the Bojagi Lounge, the installation is part of the Anyang Public Art Project (APAP), an initiative aimed at reshaping how people perceive and engage with the city. This project effectively transforms the urban environment into a living art gallery, weaving art into daily life.

Drawing inspiration from Korean heritage and the surrounding natural beauty, the structure pays homage to traditions such as Bojagi and Norigae. Bojagi, a traditional Korean practice involving textiles for covering and transporting items, forms the basis for this exploration. The project aims to bridge the circular economy with cultural heritage, all while celebrating local nature and biodiversity.

all images by DongWoong Lee

the pavilion unfolds in a circular, playful layout

The Bojagi Lounge is a tribute to Korean tradition and modern design, inviting young and old to explore amidst the beauty of Anyang’s natural landscape. The design team implemented a circular layout that unfurls around a central tree trunk, comprising two primary components: the lamp-speaker units and the sofa units. The first set is made from inflatable rings wrapped in a composition of textiles. The second part follows a similar design, providing visitors comfortable spots to unwind amidst nature.

The rings are organized next to each other, depicting two imaginary circles. One circle is shaped by the arrangement of the sofas supported by sturdy plywood on the ground, while the other hangs above the ground, suspended from a structure encircling the tree trunk. This structure is constructed using four interconnected ladders that feature small shelves cut from plywood with CNC to accommodate books. The design is flexible, accommodating budget constraints and space limitations, allowing for one, two, or three rings. Visitors can enjoy the recorded birdsong or read books available in the central structure while seated within the circular formations.

the upper rings are supported by an auxiliary structures around the tree