Pop-Up with Pop-Ups

Inflatable structures are typically associated with your block party or local fairgrounds, however, we’re pleased to see creative uses of air-filled artworks making their way into the placemaking realm.

StupidDope recently published an article highlighting the transformative work of Steve Messam — a UK-based artist whose work implements, large, inflatable sculptures that challenge our perception of architecture, public space, and natural landscapes. While Steve Messam’s work is contemporary and thought-provoking, other artist such as Amanda Parer and Pneu.haus design with inflatables to create playful, nighttime illuminations for public space activation.

Photo by Faith Lehman on Unsplash

We’re keeping our eyes peeled for inflatable, placemaking opportunities as this design strategy is one that aligns well with our ethos that public space should be playful, memorable, and most importantly, experiential.

Inspired by similar works, our friend and colleague Bruce Willen of Public Mechanics recently completed a series of inflatable installations at Pikesville Armory for their Pop-Up Art Festival which ran this past September. The event featured a curation of inflatable works by artists around the country and although we couldn’t physically be there ourselves, the attention-grabbing, family-friendly event is surely one to keep in the inspiration Rolodex.

We’re keeping our eyes peeled for inflatable, placemaking opportunities as this design strategy is one that aligns well with our ethos that public space should be playful, memorable, and most importantly, experiential.