Designbom_ icai architects introduces the Scape for Every Moment street furniture installation, placed in front of Yokohama City Hall, Japan during the winter of 2023. Situated in a small park cornered by skyscrapers, the structure features circular, overlapping top boards and delicate organdie curtains, creating a space for community interaction. The varying heights of the boards encourage different activities, while the curtains separate spaces without creating barriers. Built for temporary use, the installation is simple but, at the same time, sturdy, made from steel pipes, plywood, and lightweight fabric.

The furniture embraces the natural elements of light and wind, which constantly transform the appearance of the organdie curtains. Throughout the day, sunlight changes the curtains’ opacity—appearing bright and opaque under strong midday sun, yet more transparent on cloudy days. At sunset, reflections from surrounding buildings cause the curtains to glow, while at night, they shimmer under streetlights. The wind brings the installation to life, shifting the curtains and creating ever-changing visual effects.

Located in the Minatomirai district, a redeveloped port area known for its high-rise buildings and historical significance in Japan’s modernization, icai architects introduces soft, flowing elements into a rigid urban landscape. Visitors can lie on the large top boards, looking up through the softly moving curtains at the sky and nearby high-rises, fostering a unique experience that encourages connection with nature and other people. The Japanese firm prioritizes ease of assembly, cost-effectiveness, and structural stability, anticipating strong winds from the nearby sea. Steel pipe columns and frames beneath the top boards act as weights, ensuring the structure remains stable even when people interact with the curtains or other elements. Despite its temporary nature, the installation is durable and responsive to environmental forces.