Ukigumo By MoNo

MoNo � a collaboration between architects Fumiaki Nagashima and Mami Maruoka � is the first Japanese firm to exhibit at the fifth Festival of Architecture, which was held last month in Montpellier, France.

Ukigumo (meaning floating clouds) was installed in Montpellier�s old town during the fifth Festival of Architecture in June, and responded to the theme �Between Shadow and Light�. The purpose of the festival is to transform the old town into a short-term gallery to rediscover the city�s dormant worth by infiltrating the courtyards of eleven certified historical buildings.

The project sought to unite Japanese design sensibilities with medieval European architecture. Thin pillars, grouped between stone columns and sculptures, provided both a contrast and a connection between the two different worlds. Referencing historical Japanese imagery, Ukigumo was comprised of non-woven fabric and balloons that would become white over time, �absorbing� the surroundings and uniting the past and present.

www011.upp.so-net.ne.jp/mono_architect | Posted by Tracey Ingram | Photos courtesy of MoNo