Dezeen Magazine

Torafu Architects suspend bubbly balloons of light for Tokyo installation

Illuminated glass droplets full of bubbles appear to fall from the ceiling in this installation by Japanese studio Torafu Architects (+ slideshow).

Bubbly beads of light hover at Torafu Architects' Tokyo installation

The Water Balloon installation at the Konica Minolta Plaza Gallery in Tokyo was created by Torafu Architects for the Eco & Art Award 2014 exhibition.

Bubbly beads of light hover at Torafu Architects' Tokyo installation

The designers worked with a glass artist to form a series hand-blown bulbs from recycled material.

Bubbly beads of light hover at Torafu Architects' Tokyo installation

Each fluorescent lamp is a different shape and patterned with bubbles created during the blowing process.

Bubbly beads of light hover at Torafu Architects' Tokyo installation

"The bubbles inside each unique shape help produce a distinctive ethereal light," said the designers.

Bubbly beads of light hover at Torafu Architects' Tokyo installation

Suspended from wires at various heights around the small room, the 36 "water balloons" pulsate with light in the dark space.

Bubbly beads of light hover at Torafu Architects' Tokyo installation

"We strived to create a space where [visitors] can catch a glimmer of a new natural environment," the designers added.

Bubbly beads of light hover at Torafu Architects' Tokyo installation

Photography is by Masaki Ogawa.