As the year transitions, bringing both the energy of holidays and the anticipation of new beginnings, the need for spaces that promote rest and healing becomes increasingly crucial. DEOND, a studio led by Ila Columbo and Ross Lovegrove, introduces the Enfold pavilion, a fusion of physical and digital design created to provide a calming environment. Debuting at the d3 Design District during Dubai Design Week, Enfold presents a sanctuary designed to ease various aspects of human physiology and psychology.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Architect: Ila Columbo and Ross Lovegrove
Location: d3 Design District, Dubai Design Week
Studio: DEOND
Feature: Enfold Pavilion
Technology: AI and 3D Printing
The Enfold pavilion is constructed using recurring cardboard vertex motifs, allowing a gentle illumination to permeate the space. This softness creates a serene atmosphere, contrasting the sun’s direct warmth with a soothing blue tint that encourages introspection. The pavilion’s overhead lighting mimics the dappled effect of sunlight filtering through tree leaves, evoking a forest floor. This natural mimicry isn’t just aesthetically pleasing; specific light patterns and color therapies are scientifically linked to reducing stress and inflammation, promoting a holistic sense of wellness.
At the heart of the pavilion stands the HUG (Holistic Unified Garment), an AI-enhanced bodysuit that functions as a ‘second skin.’ Unique silver wire supports suspend the bodysuit, giving it a sense of floating. The HUG combines AI technology with 3D printing to activate body pressure points, integrating Eastern therapeutic practices with Western scientific advancements. This innovative intersection envisions devices that counteract physical anxiety while engaging with natural elements, sparking a dialogue on merging technology with nature to enhance wellbeing.
Ila Columbo’s inquiries underpin Enfold’s concept, questioning how technological progress can reconnect us with nature and heal what modernity might have neglected. Enfold suggests that embedding technology into our lives doesn’t necessarily distance us from nature but can instead serve as a bridge. As technology becomes ubiquitous, considering its role in reinforcing our connection to the natural world becomes vital—a philosophy embodied in the pavilion’s intricate design and interactive elements.
The Enfold pavilion’s biomimicry extends to its exterior, taking cues from the protective structures of spiky seedlings. Once inside, visitors find that the harshness of external light is mellowed, replaced by the calm blue light within. The HUG bodysuit’s ridges reflect the organic forms found in aquatic life, where small shells and exoskeletons epitomize evolution’s perfect design. This connection to nature, echoed in the pavilion’s design, illustrates how ancient forms continue to inspire modern innovation.
In essence, Enfold encapsulates the idea that tranquil spaces stem from inner tranquility. By focusing on the integration of light therapies and cutting-edge technology, the pavilion creates environments that nurture the mind and spirit. Through this project, DEOND underscores the importance of holistic spaces that prioritize emotional and communal health. As we engage with our external world, it’s clear that fostering calm within ourselves is the first step toward constructing spaces that truly support a peaceful existence.
