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](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/04/Water-Balloon-Room-by-Torafu-Architects_dezeen_7.jpg)
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](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/04/Water-Balloon-Room-by-Torafu-Architects_dezeen_5.jpg)
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](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/04/Water-Balloon-Room-by-Torafu-Architects_dezeen_3.jpg)
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](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/04/Water-Balloon-Room-by-Torafu-Architects_dezeen_2.jpg)
"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](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/04/Water-Balloon-Room-by-Torafu-Architects_dezeen_6.jpg)
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](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/04/Water-Balloon-Room-by-Torafu-Architects_dezeen_9.jpg)
"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](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/04/Water-Balloon-Room-by-Torafu-Architects_dezeen_1.jpg)
Photography is by Masaki Ogawa.