Prague and Brno-based architecture practice KOGAA has designed a ring-shaped installation that addresses to the issue of CO2 production in our cities. 

Designed for the Concentrico International Architecture and Design Festival in Logroño, Spain, the 200-square-metre installation, made of an inflatable structure recycled from a previous use in the city of Brno, represents the amount of 1 ton in the size of the air balloon.

Aiming to increase an environmental awareness in the public realm, the project, named Circo Aéreo, gives citizens the opportunity to reflect on their current way of living. The installation provides an urban space for multi-purposed activities and events.

"At KOGAA we are dedicated to projects with a positive impact on the users, the environment and the surrounding communities. It is our responsibility, as architects, to be considerate of all aspects of the built environment," said KOGAA. 

"By researching urban problems related to climate change, we actively challenge the functions of public spaces, transforming them into educational, interactive, and conscious catalysts."

Circo Aéreo is an itinerary installation that explores the underused potential of empty urban spaces and their often inadequate and barren substitute functions, such as parking facilities. 

The object re-actives those underused locations by providing a stage for events, and a place to hang out, or rest. The 4mt high inflatable is a canvas for projections and a light source for the evening, and a shading provider for hot days.

"We are glad to be able to reuse the material with an altered and improved function," said the studio. 

"We believe it is imperative nowadays to try and consume less, and try and re-fit first."

Circo Aéreo’s lower body works both as a structural holder for the upper inflatable ring, as well as a seating amphitheater for events. By lowering the inflatable entrance height to only 1.5 meters, the visitors need to lean down in order to get inside the installation. 

In this way, once inside, the user can experience being surrounded by the pure shape and infinity of the white circle.

As the architects highlight, the new intervention generates a sense of care and belonging to the space, hopefully leading to daily cleaning and improved security on the location.

Situation plan

Floor plan

Elevation

Detail

Project facts

Name: Circo Aéreo

Architecture studio: KOGAA

Design team: Alexandra Georgescu, Tomas Kozelsky, Viktor Odstrcilik, Marcello Coldani

Location: Logroño, Spain

Client: Concentrico festival

Size: 200m2

Year of completion: 2020

All images © Josema Cutillas and Javier Antón

> via KOGAA