translucent umbrellas form ethereal shelter on singapore’s marina bay

singapore-based design consultancy, colours: collectively ours, has created dande-lier – a temporary pavilion resembling a dandelion from a far, conveying a sense of weightlessness by using translucent umbrellas to create a seemingly delicate shelter. the shelter reimagines everyday items as architectural components, also using a series of PVC pipes to form the structural framework of the dome, which lights up in an array of colours at night.

the dande-lier structure resembles a dandelion from afar,
image © choo yut shing

colours: collectively ours designed the pavilion for the marina bay waterfront promenade in singapore in collaboration with web structures, for iLight marina bay 2017, an annual light festival initing contributors and installations by artists from all over the world. the series of umbrellas are held by seven layers of triangular PVC pipe modules, which are tilted and rest on each other to create the framework for dande-lier, held together by galvanised iron pipe clamps.

several layers of PVC pipes makes the framework for the dome,
all images courtesy of colours: collectively ours

on the inside, the view of the outside world is warped, transporting visitors into an alternate world, with a smart lighting system that responds dynamically to the visitors’ position in the sculpture. during the day the well ventilated dome provides shaded seating areas and respite from the heat. at night it becomes a destination, highlighted by the constantly changing lighting scheme.

at night the dome lights up with an array of coloured lights

the dome becomes a destination at night and highlights the marina bay

the structural framework of dande-lier uses a series of pvc pipes

pipe clamps are fastened to give the structure its strength