This is a project I was commissioned to undertake as architectural designer, in collaboration with artist Ivan Morison and Situations.

It was featured on Dezeen and BdOnline. This is an excerpt from the press release:

The design is based on the Shabono shelters of Venezuela, which combine an exposed communal zone in the centre with sheltered living space around the periphery, and a permeable threshold into the surrounding jungle. The Black Cloud takes these abstract qualities into a new form with a triangulated timber structure that appears to be animated in its light interaction with the park. The form was resolved by taking a geodesic dome, removing the top and deforming the shape into a structure that provides varying degrees of shelter, height and permeability.

The result is a structure of 152 unique triangles that take on the lifelike character of a giant insect. The timber facade, sourced from the artists’ arboretum in Wales, was treated using a Japanese scorching technique, to create a dark, protective shield.  The Shape of Things to Come. Barn‐raising the Black Cloud was the first of three events initiated by the artists which involved raising the structure on 25 July, using local volunteer assistance alongside skilled labour. The arrival of the shelter was celebrated through communal feasting and music, reflecting the traditional Finnish talkoot and Amish barn‐raising, as well as den‐building workshops and story‐telling.