jingyang (leo) liu

jello pavilion

The Jello Pavilion is an inflatable structure inspired by Ant Farm, the avant-garde architectural group that pioneered the use of plastics in the 1970s to create flexible, democratic, and playful spaces. Conceived as a collaborative design-build project by students in Lorena del Rio's seminar, A Journey into Plastic, the Jello Pavilion was designed to bring an element of joy and playfulness during the stressful final weeks of the semester.

With a budget of approximately $300, the pavilion is constructed from over 100 plastic panels of varying geometries, which are meticulously fused using a calibrated heating technique. This thin plastic shell reaches its full volumetric potential through a high-powered fan that continuously inflates the structure via a tubular appendage. When fully inflated, the pavilion takes on a globular form, yet can be easily reconfigured into different shapes using Velcro strips strategically placed throughout the surface.

Despite its complex assembly, the Jello Pavilion embodies a sense of simplicity and fun. At various points during the day, it is filled with balloons and illuminated by light projections, enhancing its playful character.

The Jello Pavilion invites participants to enter a literal bubble of fun amid the hustle and bustle of campus life. It also pays homage to the enduring tradition of using plastics as a cheap, malleable, and flexible material, highlighting its vast potential for innovative design.