Japan’s disaster-hit northeastern coast will be the home of the world’s first inflatable concert hall, promoters said.
With an exterior made to look like a giant purple blob, the Ark Nova by British sculptor Anish Kapoor and Japanese architect Arata Isozaki will able to entertain about 500 guests when fully inflated.
The pop-up structure, which is made of a coated polyester material, looks more like an art installation than a functioning concert hall, was erected at a park in the town of Matsushima, Miyagi prefecture.
It can be easily deflated and travel around the region to host events that “help bring people together,” a press statement said.
Wood from the area’s fallen cedar trees will be used for seating.
Switzerland’s Lucerne Festival helped organize the first event which will run from Friday through October 14, including performances by the Sendai Philharmonic Orchestra and traditional Japanese kabuki theatre.
Japan’s northeast coast was ravaged by an earthquake and tsunami in March 2011, killing nearly 19,000 people and triggering meltdowns at the Fukushima nuclear plant.
By: Maesie Bertumen
