Local designer Annabelle Schneider created an inflatable-sized, “uterus-like” installation that “breathes” between the columns of an industrial space in midtown Manhattan as part of NYCxDesign Week.
The Breathe With Me installation was commissioned by the Consulate General of Switzerland in New York to present Swiss design while providing a comfortable space for visitors.
“In Schneider’s Breathe With Me, soft, breathable textiles create an airy, womb-like space synchronized with a polyrhythmic soundscape,” the team said.
“Rhythmic breathing sounds, coupled with soft furnishings, have been carefully curated to positively impact the body and mind.”
Located at the WSA Cultural Center in downtown Manhattan, the installation consists of an amorphous inflatable volume manufactured by inflatable design studio Luft & Laune located in the center of the space.
Visitors entered the volume through an arched doorway, where furniture from the USM and PIN-UP Home collaboration and textiles from 4Spaces ZigZagZurich were placed inside for seating.
Set to a background of music composed by Luc Auger, the sound is rhythmically deflated and amplified to create a “breathing” effect.
Schneider said the installation encouraged a physical connection with the space in the face of mental health issues faced today, especially by the younger generation.
Riley Hooker creates inflatable seating derived from “gooey mold” for group gathering
“I’m a teacher,” she told Dezeen. “I feel like younger kids are having issues. Mental health is a big issue, physical contact is a big issue [and] Attention span is a big issue. We have to find reasons again to find each other in physical space.”
Seats from Swiss brands Laufen, Schaffner, Studio Christian Wassmann, Tisca and Vitra are placed around the central “womb” and in front of multi-coloured curtains from 4Spaces ZigZagZürich, hung along the perimeter.
Schneider said she wanted the furniture to be moveable and accessible in order to create a “living, breathing organism” that visitors could interact with.
She told Dezeen that she wanted it to embody community and intimacy.
Other objects and installations on display during this year’s NYCxDesign show include an inflatable seating system by designer Riley Hooker and a collection of small personal items found in many of the displays.
Swiss-born Annabelle Schneider is an experience designer based in New York. Her work includes physical and virtual spatial installations with a focus on well-being.
Photography by Kyle Knodel.
“Breathe with Me” ran from May 17 to 23 at 161 Water Street in Manhattan. Check out Dezeen’s events guide for an up-to-date list of architecture and design events taking place around the world.
Project credit:
Concept and experience design: Annabelle Schneider
Inflatable structure: Loft and Looney
Voice: Luc Ogier
Mixing and Mastering: Ben Mullitaler
Sound system: Piega and HiFi Rose (available through MoFi Distribution)
Floating fabrics: 4Spaces ZigZagZürich
Bar installation: USM modular furniture
Space: WSA New York
Visual identity: Piera Wolf, Stephanie Specht, Annabelle Schneider
