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Plywood Horse Art Installation Transforms Seattle Landmark into Interactive Playground

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Studio Deng reimagines the classic equestrian monument, transforming it into a dynamic public art installation. The "Flatland Horse" project features eight distinct plywood horse sculptures, designed to be interactive and functional, moving beyond static display to engage the community in playful and accessible ways.

From Stately Statues to Playful Public Spaces: Reimagining Equestrian Monuments

Reinterpreting the Monumental: Eight Interactive Horse Forms

The Flatland Horse series, created by Studio Deng, offers a fresh perspective on the traditional equestrian statue. Instead of a single, imposing figure, the project presents eight individual horse-inspired elements. These pieces are designed to be touched, climbed, sat upon, and walked through, inviting active participation from the public. The original equestrian form is deconstructed, with each segment taking on a new life as a functional object within the urban landscape. These plywood silhouettes each embody a specific part of the horse's anatomy, rendered in a soft, volumetric manner, while also serving practical purposes such as seating, play structures, or architectural gateways.

Innovative Materials: Birch Plywood and Chenille for Soft, Modular Design

For the Seattle Design Festival in 2026, themed IN[FLUX], Studio Deng showcased two notable pieces from the collection at Lake Union Park. The "Gate Horse" functions as an archway, crafted from segmented plywood profiles that frame the vibrant activity of Lake Union and offer glimpses of the Seattle skyline through its negative space. The "Slide Horse" is engineered with the structural integrity of a bridge, featuring a plywood surface that spans between a staircase and a slide. Its lowered head forms the sliding surface, while the textured mane acts as a protective side barrier. Both installations artfully translate the form of a horse into flat plywood planes, which become more abstract upon closer inspection. Selected bodily features are given depth and tactile appeal through brown chenille fabric, stretched over a waffle-like internal structure of half-inch foam core panels, attached directly to the plywood. This textured material not only hints at the contours of a mane or muscle but also provides a softer, more inviting surface. Constructed from durable ¾-inch, 13-ply birch plywood, meticulously cut and sanded by the design team, these structures are built for longevity. The "Slide Horse" was ingeniously designed in three modular units, secured with nails, bolts, and L-brackets, allowing for rapid assembly and disassembly. Following the festival, both pieces were unbolted, flat-packed for easy transport, and reassembled in a courtyard in Issaquah, east of Seattle, ensuring these temporary art installations could continue to enrich new environments.

Ice Cube Necklace: A Transient Jewel by GOLEM and Laila El Mehelmy
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Ice Cube Necklace: A Transient Jewel by GOLEM and Laila El Mehelmy

Denver Community Design Festival: Fostering Public Engagement Through Transformable Installations
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Denver Community Design Festival: Fostering Public Engagement Through Transformable Installations

BAIT Transforms G-SHOCK DW5600 into a Ripe Banana-Themed Timepiece
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BAIT Transforms G-SHOCK DW5600 into a Ripe Banana-Themed Timepiece

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Pedrali Pavilion: From Ephemeral Showcase to Enduring Community Hub

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The Pedrali Pavilion, originally a temporary installation, has undergone a remarkable transformation, evolving into a lasting symbol of community and innovation. This architectural marvel, designed by AMDL CIRCLE and Michele De Lucchi, now stands as a permanent fixture, embodying Pedrali's dedication to art, education, design, and local engagement.

Embracing Permanence: A Vision Transformed

From Ephemeral Exhibit to Enduring Landmark: The Pedrali Pavilion's Evolution

The Pedrali Pavilion, created by AMDL CIRCLE and Michele De Lucchi to commemorate Pedrali's 60th anniversary, has embarked on a new journey, transitioning from a temporary wooden exhibition space to a vibrant, permanent community and cultural hub. This architectural endeavor in Mornico al Serio, Bergamo, mirrors the historical significance of structures like the Crystal Palace, setting a new benchmark for sustainable design and adaptive reuse.

The Structural Essence: A Fusion of Natural Materials and Innovative Design

Crafted from PEFC-certified spruce wood, the pavilion boasts impressive dimensions and a distinctive silhouette defined by arched portals and horizontal beams. Its design thoughtfully integrates natural elements, fostering a harmonious connection with the surrounding landscape. The meticulous preservation of its original timber framework highlights a commitment to its intrinsic lightness and aesthetic appeal.

Architectural Renewal: A Brass Canopy and Enhanced Functionality

A significant upgrade to the pavilion includes the replacement of its original wooden roof with a striking new brass covering. This material choice, treated to achieve a burnished, satin finish, mimics the weathered appearance of aged wood, respectfully nodding to the structure's initial composition while enhancing its durability and weather resistance. The new roof shingles maintain the exact dimensions and pattern of their wooden predecessors, ensuring visual continuity.

Redefined Interiors: A Space for Collaboration and Discovery

Upon entering, visitors are greeted by an inviting arena, serving as both a welcoming foyer and a precursor to the upper levels. The preserved timber structure on the upper floor now hosts a modern auditorium, meticulously designed for a diverse range of events, conferences, and exhibitions. This space, subtly reconfigured, features matte-finished oak flooring and larch paneling, creating an intimate ambiance that celebrates the building's wooden heritage.

Ground Floor Transformation: Showcasing Outdoor Collections and Sustainable Practices

The ground floor, once an expansive open area, has been reinvented as a sophisticated showroom dedicated to Pedrali's outdoor furniture collections. Here, glass elements are strategically employed to maximize natural light and offer uninterrupted views of the external environment, blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor spaces. Designed by DWA Design Studio, the showroom's light structure, complemented by glossy soft-sand partitions and photography by Alecio Ferrari, creates an immersive experience. Furthermore, the integration of a geothermal system underscores the pavilion's commitment to energy efficiency, providing heating and cooling while minimizing environmental impact.

Beyond the Structure: Cultivating Community and Wellbeing

The transformation of the Pedrali Pavilion extends beyond its physical boundaries, embedding it within a broader network of community and cultural initiatives. This adaptive reuse signifies Pedrali's long-standing commitment to enriching lives through projects like #pedrali4art, #pedrali4design&architecture, and #pedrali4community. The initiative also includes the creative repurposing of the original roof elements through a design workshop with local students, highlighting an innovative approach to education and material reuse.

Integrated Landscape: Connecting Architecture with Nature

The pavilion's evolution also encompasses its surrounding landscape, with the introduction of new pathways and communal gathering areas. Luserna stone paving creates a seamless transition between the architectural design and the natural environment, while terraced green seating areas, adorned with seasonal trees, invite visitors to connect with nature. Additionally, the establishment of the Pedrali Path promotes healthy lifestyles among employees, further integrating the pavilion into the company's holistic approach to wellbeing.

A Testament to Vision: Pedrali's Enduring Legacy

The conversion of the Pedrali Pavilion is more than a mere structural modification; it represents a profound shift from transient beauty to permanent utility. This endeavor transforms a corporate space into a vibrant cultural hub, fostering human connection and creativity. It stands as an indispensable destination for design enthusiasts and a testament to Pedrali's vision in Bergamo.

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BUSTAN: A Robotic Earth Pavilion for Multi-Species Living
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BUSTAN: A Robotic Earth Pavilion for Multi-Species Living

Paf Atelier: Crafting Immersive Environments through Collective Imagination
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Paf Atelier: Crafting Immersive Environments through Collective Imagination

Sergio Rojo's Rock-Cut Space Rehabilitation in La Rioja
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Sergio Rojo's Rock-Cut Space Rehabilitation in La Rioja

Building materials

Zaha Hadid's London HQ Reimagined as Public Arts Hub

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The Zaha Hadid Foundation is embarking on an exciting new chapter, opening the doors of Zaha Hadid's former London headquarters to the public. This initiative transforms the historic Victorian schoolhouse, once the vibrant center of Hadid's groundbreaking architectural practice, into a dynamic cultural hub for architecture, design, and the arts.

A Visionary Legacy Unfolds: Zaha Hadid's Headquarters Reimagined

Transforming Zaha Hadid's Historic London Base into a Public Cultural Center

A decade after the passing of the iconic architect Zaha Hadid, her foundation is preparing to unveil her former London headquarters as a public cultural space. Situated at 10 Bowling Green Lane in Clerkenwell, the Victorian schoolhouse, which served as her practice's home for over thirty years, has undergone a significant transformation. Scheduled to open on November 3rd, 2026, with an exclusive preview on October 29th, the revitalized building will offer galleries, a lecture hall, educational facilities, and dedicated spaces for displaying collections. It will also host diverse exhibitions, engaging workshops, and creative residency programs, marking a new era for a space that once buzzed with architectural innovation.

Preserving Architectural Heritage: Studio KA's Meticulous Renovation

The extensive renovation project, meticulously overseen by Studio KA, led by Katherine Nolan and Alex Butterworth, thoughtfully respects the Grade II-listed building's rich history, which dates back to the early 1870s. The ground floor has been reconfigured to enhance flow and accessibility, while original architectural features such as fireplaces and doorways have been carefully restored. New interior finishes introduce a palette of colors directly inspired by Hadid's own artistic paintings. Crucially, the renovation deliberately retains distinctive elements from Hadid's tenure, including unique Z-shaped door handles and striking shard-like flooring inlays. The space is further enriched with furniture and objects from Zaha Hadid Design, ensuring her unmistakable visual language continues to permeate the daily experience within the building.

Celebrating Performance Art: The Inaugural Exhibition

The foundation's inaugural public program delves beyond Hadid's renowned architectural structures, launching with "Zaha Hadid: Architecture of Performance." This exhibition, drawing from the Foundation's own collection, focuses on the architect's groundbreaking work in stage and set design. Curated by Catherine Howe and guest curator Libby Sellers, the exhibit explores Hadid's innovative approaches to performance environments across various disciplines, including dance, opera, and popular music. Featured projects span from her 1989 collaboration with choreographer Rosemary Butcher and the Music Video Pavilion in Groningen, to her stage designs for the Pet Shop Boys' Nightlife World Tour and Mozart's Così fan tutte at the Walt Disney Concert Hall. These diverse works powerfully demonstrate how her explorations into movement, abstraction, and spatial geometry extended far beyond traditional architectural boundaries.

New Artistic Voices and a Comprehensive Timeline

Complementing the main exhibition, a second gallery will feature "The Rebar Beneath," an 11-minute, dual-channel video installation commissioned from London-based artist LionHeart. This work, a blend of film, poetry, and performance, was developed through extensive research into Hadid's archives, examining the hidden structures beneath visible forms through layered projections and fragmented spatial compositions. Additionally, Pulitzer Prize-winning illustrator Mona Chalabi contributes "The Completely Exhausting Inexhaustibility of Zaha Hadid," a compelling visual timeline charting the architect's life and creative output. This animated piece is projected in the foyer onto a textile surface, notably inspired by an Issey Miyake coat once worn by Hadid. The opening program also includes a series of public discussions, guided tours, workshops, and a pop-up AA Bookshop, offering a comprehensive and engaging experience.

Evolving Identity: Experimental Jetset's Dynamic Graphic System

The reopening also marks the introduction of a new graphic identity designed by the Amsterdam-based firm Experimental Jetset. This innovative visual system extends Hadid's spirit of experimentation into the Foundation's public communications. Moving beyond a conventional static logo, the designers have created a flexible typographic language that utilizes a distorting grid, allowing letterforms and compositions to adapt dynamically across different applications. This system cleverly reflects Hadid's own practice, which was characterized by ideas of transformation and continuous inquiry, translating them into a contemporary graphic framework. A redesigned website by London-based Made by ON, set to launch the week of October 12th, will integrate this new identity and provide enhanced access to the Foundation's diverse programs and extensive archive.

Perpetuating a Legacy: A Forward-Looking Vision

To celebrate this significant new chapter, the Zaha Hadid Foundation is partnering with the Architectural Association and Serpentine for "89° of Zaha Hadid," a two-day symposium held across their respective London venues on October 30th and 31st. The latter date commemorates what would have been the architect's 76th birthday. This collaborative initiative underscores a broader ambition to activate the Foundation's archives through rigorous research, educational programs, and vibrant exchanges with emerging creative talents. As Rana Hadid, Chair of the Foundation's Trustees, articulates, the core intention is to "preserve her legacy while carrying her ideas forward." By transforming a former schoolhouse and architectural studio into a public cultural destination, the Foundation actively treats Hadid's legacy not merely as something to be passively preserved, but as a dynamic and evolving source for ongoing experimentation and inspiration.

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