The “Ephemeral Bubble", designed by Ma Yansong/MAD, is integrated into a century-old house in the Murono Village, resembling a bubble gently blown from the traditional wooden structure. This design adds a temporary, flexible space that mimics the lightness and translucence of breathing air.
The biomorphic design of the bubble draws inspiration from nature, featuring fluid and soft shapes in its form. This concept of bubbles also introduces a playful and interactive space, making the experiential installation ideal for dynamic and spiritual exploration.
Inside the bubble, the space feels expansive and undefined, suitable for performances, ceremonies, gatherings, and other events. The installation reflects the surrounding greenery and colours within its white interior, creating an atmosphere of soft light. This fusion of virtual and tangible elements, combining the old and the new, brings new life into the ancient building.
Ephemeral Bubble by Ma Yansong / MAD. Photograph by Zhu Yumeng.
The "Ephemeral Bubble" exists within the traditional village while intentionally appearing without origin, embodying a deliberate "de-symbolization" to infuse new cultural vitality.
The historic house, now known as the China House Huayuan, has been a hub for Chinese artistic expression and cultural exchange since its inauguration in 2016. It continues to serve as a vital link between Chinese and Japanese artistic communities at the Echigo-Tsumari Art Festival.
Ma Yansong/MAD Architects created the work "Tunnel of Light" for the 7th Echigo-Tsumari Art Festival in 2018. The "Tunnel of Light" in Kiyotsu Gorge exemplifies simplicity and a profound spiritual experience, blending minimalist design with nature. The 750 meter-long tunnel, is a modification of a structure originally built in 1996 to provide access to Chongjin Gorge, one of Japan's three major canyons. The design features three distinct viewing platforms, immersing visitors in natural surroundings, and fostering a deep connection with the environment. Since its unveiling, "Tunnel of Light" has drawn a substantial increase in art enthusiasts, helped stimulate local businesses and attracted younger generations back to the region, demonstrating the project's power to inspire both spirituality and economy, becoming one of the festival's signature works.
The success of the Echigo-Tsumari Art Festival has made the Echigo-Tsumari region known, attracting 3 million visitors from all over the world each year and reviving the area's local economy. Every year, the Tokamachi area receives 3 million tourists.
The biomorphic design of the bubble draws inspiration from nature, featuring fluid and soft shapes in its form. This concept of bubbles also introduces a playful and interactive space, making the experiential installation ideal for dynamic and spiritual exploration.
Inside the bubble, the space feels expansive and undefined, suitable for performances, ceremonies, gatherings, and other events. The installation reflects the surrounding greenery and colours within its white interior, creating an atmosphere of soft light. This fusion of virtual and tangible elements, combining the old and the new, brings new life into the ancient building.
Ephemeral Bubble by Ma Yansong / MAD. Photograph by Zhu Yumeng.
The "Ephemeral Bubble" exists within the traditional village while intentionally appearing without origin, embodying a deliberate "de-symbolization" to infuse new cultural vitality.
The historic house, now known as the China House Huayuan, has been a hub for Chinese artistic expression and cultural exchange since its inauguration in 2016. It continues to serve as a vital link between Chinese and Japanese artistic communities at the Echigo-Tsumari Art Festival.
Ma Yansong/MAD Architects created the work "Tunnel of Light" for the 7th Echigo-Tsumari Art Festival in 2018. The "Tunnel of Light" in Kiyotsu Gorge exemplifies simplicity and a profound spiritual experience, blending minimalist design with nature. The 750 meter-long tunnel, is a modification of a structure originally built in 1996 to provide access to Chongjin Gorge, one of Japan's three major canyons. The design features three distinct viewing platforms, immersing visitors in natural surroundings, and fostering a deep connection with the environment. Since its unveiling, "Tunnel of Light" has drawn a substantial increase in art enthusiasts, helped stimulate local businesses and attracted younger generations back to the region, demonstrating the project's power to inspire both spirituality and economy, becoming one of the festival's signature works.
The success of the Echigo-Tsumari Art Festival has made the Echigo-Tsumari region known, attracting 3 million visitors from all over the world each year and reviving the area's local economy. Every year, the Tokamachi area receives 3 million tourists.
