Disco Silencio
2011
SCI-Arc
Photo by Joshua White
https://www.dwell.com/article/silent-disco-at-sci-arc-c8336e36
https://bestorarchitecture.com/portfolio-3/silent-disco

This temporary environment in an architectural school gallery featured an unfolded polyhedron of disorienting surfaces. WWI Razzle Dazzle camouflage techniques were repurposed with embedded mirror ball fragments to create a hybrid of military and disco architectures of surface. Reflecting, distorting, and upending the surroundings, the space created an immersive "polyhedron of hedonism" suitable for dance, play, rest, or quiet socializing. The geometry suggested eddies of isolated back rooms and dark corridors as refuge to the visual din of the dance floor. The "backstage" of exposed rough framing hid a pair of bunk beds. Night programming included dance parties, lasers, projections, and fog. By day the reflective surfaces activated a silent volume of light, both tranquil and kinetic. This silent disco presented a stealthy architecture, imbued with disinformation of literal form.