cyril lancelin's inflatable 'waterfall arches' cascade in south korea

Cyril Lancelin explores interactivity and the beauty of nature in an immersive installation that engulfs visitors in a cascading maze of giant inflatable structures. ‘Waterfall Arches’, exhibited at the Hyundai Department store in Daegu, South Korea, transforms the commercial atrium into an exhibition space, creating a space where shoppers and design enthusiasts can create links with one another and their environment.

Lancelin’s giant sculpture coincides with the unveiling of the newly renovated department store, emulating the classical architectural form of an arch with a contemporary interpretation. Revisiting the idea of a giant fountain or waterfall, the installation gently unfolds its bold, green flowing volumes in a repetitive series of looping double arches, inviting visitors to interact with it from various levels.

all images courtesy Cyril Lancelin

Built like an urban patio or courtyard encouraging circulation around, through and above its voids and solids, ‘Waterfall Arches’ presents visitors at the department store with several viewpoints as they shop and rest. The surrounding windows, balconies, and escalators generate dynamic, kinetic views across each levels. Its immersive vibrant color further recalls the hues of water and vegetation, two central elements of the site’s existing patios.

Cyril Lancelin unites the two elements of a museum and a department store, both of which seek to create immersive visitor experiences and unite an increasingly individual society. As such, the French artist presents shoppers and design enthusiasts a moment to link, connect and share. Becoming participants in the installation, they activate it through their exploration and interactivity. ‘It’s a maze of possibilities. It is an artificial landscape in which visitors will share moments of creativity through their photos or videos or simply their journey. This sharing establishes a visual dialogue and a social bond,’ he writes.

the installation takes over the newly renovated Hyundai Department Store in Daegu

emulating the classical architectural form of an arch with a contemporary interpretation