Columbia GSAPP celebrates the installation of Cloud, a student-designed, temporary inflatable structure for Avery Plaza. The pavilion project is the outcome of the Outside In seminar led by Professor Laurie Hawkinson and Professor of Professional Practice Galia Solomonoff. The project is the culmination of two semesters of work, spanning the Spring ’24 and Fall ’24, and was developed with guidance from Hubert Chang, Silman Structural Engineers, along with teaching assistants Tristan Schendel and Syed Haseeb Amjad, covering both creative and technical aspects of the design-build process. The inflatable fabrication was realized by Àrea Cúbica.

Cloud envisions a participatory experience that emphasizes the interconnectedness of peoples’ actions in shared spaces. Stretched above the inflatable is a large net that positions seating within, which descends into the Plaza through the center, creating a device for people to modify and curate the space. Measuring 20 meters (66 feet) wide, and suspended by 25 cables, this floating inflatable reframes the relationship between Avery Hall and Avery Plaza, questioning notions of connectivity between interior and exterior spaces. Powered by four electric blowers, the metallic form expands from the 400-level window and classroom, inviting visitors inside its contemplative interior and challenging boundaries of conditioned space.

The pavilion encourages playful interaction between people, their environment, and one another. Cloud is a highlight of Columbia GSAPP’s 2024 Open House on October 21, 2024, and remains open for the entire Columbia community until October 30, 2024, hosting various GSAPP events. This installation serves as a provocation to bring the broader Columbia community and GSAPP together.