stpmj's winning DRIFT pavilion for the upcoming Centennial Festival of Riverboats in Louisville, KY

Decked out in 8-foot diameter white balloons, DRIFT by Brooklyn-based stpmj will add a festive note once it's realized at the Centennial Festival of Riverboats taking place in Louisville, Kentucky on October 15, 2014.

stpmj team members Seung Teak Lee and Mi Jung Lim recently won first place for the pavilion in the festival's international design competition, which attracted entries from established firms and practices in 13 countries.

And if stpmj sounds familiar, perhaps you remember them from their Folly 2014 Notable Entry, "Invisible Barn." Things are surely looking up for the team.

Have a look at DRIFT below.

Project Description: 

"'Drift' is an interactive design proposal that responds to currents of air and offers diverse medium of entertainment for the visitors. The balloons create an overarching canopy, casting shadow and diffused light below. As the balloons sway either gently or brusquely depending on the wind, the shadows change according to the movement of the balloons. Visitors are encouraged to play with the continuously changing shape of the balloon canopy by pulling and pushing elastic cords connected to the balloons. “Drift” becomes a resilient and playful datum on the riverside."

"The proposal is composed of two main components; the canopy of floating balloons and three levels of the wooden platform(base). The 8' diameter latex balloon is a commercially available product, which is light to transport and easy to blow. The balloon can sustain its volume outdoors and in harsh weather conditions. 250 cubic feet of helium gas makes the balloon float with enough force to lift 15 lb for 10-15 days. The balloons can easily be replenished with helium and regain its volume and strength. The canopy of 10 balloons is anchored to the wood base with elastic bungee cords that is light but contains tensile strength. These elastic cords allow the canopy to both float and drift by wind and visitors."

"The wood-base is triangular shaped furniture with three different levels (3’-6”, 2’-6” and 1’-2”). Each level connotes various functions; bar & vendor booth, drinking & eating table, and benches. The entire base could be used as a seating area when performances are held in the center of the triangle. The 3’-6” high wood box is water proofed to prevent electrocution from machineries of the vendors and musicians. The wooden base is made from 2x4 lumbers and plywood sheathings."

“Drift” is an open structure that does not obstruct the skyline and riverboats around the river. It provides a multi-purpose space that can support the festival of food, bourbon, music and art to celebrate 100th anniversary of the Belle of Louisville. 'Drift' provides visitors with amusements that the Belle of Louisville has offered for the past century.

All images courtesy of stpmj.

Click the thumbnails below for additional project images.