A modular language for reconfigurable interiors
Moving Islands is a collection of movable and adaptable interior volumes that can come together, separate, or disperse, creating new and unexpected landscapes where people can sit, hide, connect, work, meditate, rest, and tell stories.
They are basic frameworks that can be dressed in various materials, hard or soft, luxurious, or modest, see-through or opaque, vibrant or sober, synthetic or natural, acting as three-dimensional canvases.
They can offer privacy or foster connections, hide objects or separate spaces. They can incorporate vegetation, art, or elements of playfulness and provocation. People can climb on them, seek shelter, combine them in various configurations, move them around, or push them apart.
They are circular, made with discarded materials and straightforward to assemble and disassemble, allowing effortless transportation and reconfiguration. Moreover, local manufacturers can construct them with basic skills and technology.
Urban mining
A core aspect of Moving Islands is their material simplicity. Each unit starts with a basic frame, while all additional elements are sourced through urban mining. This includes leftovers from the wood and construction industries, unused stock, replaced furniture, and components salvaged from demolition sites, abandoned buildings, or even within the existing space. Because there are no fixed material requirements, each island takes shape based on what is available, resulting in unique and unexpected configurations. When no longer in use, the components are returned to the urban mine, and the frame is stored for future projects, reinforcing a continuous and circular design process.
Assembly & disassembly
Moving Islands are designed for simple construction using basic mechanical methods. Each module can be fastened or placed without the need for welding, gluing, or specialised tools. This approach makes assembly and disassembly quick and accessible, even for those with minimal technical experience. When not in use, the structures can be taken apart, compacted, and stored, allowing for efficient use of space and easy adaptation to changing needs. This flexibility supports reconfiguration, reuse, and long-term practicality.
Transformability
Moving Islands are inherently versatile. They are not tied to a fixed layout and can be adapted to different functions, settings, and atmospheres. By replacing or repositioning a few elements, a single unit can shift from a workspace to a resting area or from a public installation to a private retreat. This open design approach encourages flexible use and supports a wide range of spatial and personal needs.
Movability
Equipped with wheels, each Moving Island can be easily moved, rotated, combined, or spaced apart. This mobility allows for continuous spatial transformation, encouraging experimentation and adaptability. By making movement a core feature, Moving Islands enable users to reshape their environment in response to changing needs, whether for better light, new layouts, or different social settings.
Combinability
Moving Islands can function independently or be combined into larger configurations. Their modular design supports the creation of diverse spatial arrangements, allowing users to experiment, adapt, and build environments that reflect specific needs. From connected seating areas to collaborative zones, the ability to combine units encourages flexibility, creativity, and interaction.
New scenarios for creativity
Contact
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