DEOND introduces Enfold pavilion at Dubai Design Week: The Holistic Embrace of Body and Technology

DEOND, the studio co-founded by Ross Lovegrove and Ila Colombo, unveils the “Enfold” pavilion in the public spaces of the Dubai Design District (d3) during Dubai Design Week from November 5th to 10th, 2024...

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From the architect: The installation explores the concept of phy-gital therapy, featuring an AI-infused 'second skin' fabric that responds to the body’s condition, seamlessly merging the physical and digital realms to create a deeply immersive experience.

Founded in 2023, DEOND is a multidisciplinary practice merging cutting-edge expertise with creative foresight. Dedicated to crafting functional, beautiful, and sustainable environments, they integrate advanced manufacturing, interactive installations, and architecture to foster a sustainable coexistence between the built and natural environments.

The installation embodies biomimicry in its design, featuring an exterior that references the rough, spiky seed of nature while housing a soothing and regenerative core within. Its overall circular geometry creates a continuous sense of enclosure, symbolizing the holistic embrace that unites body, mind, and technology. The perforated roof, varying in density and size, allows soft, natural light to filter into the space, shifting in intensity with the path of the sun. The entire structure and finish are crafted from corrugated cardboard, aligning with the exhibition’s commitment to sustainability. 

Inside of the pavilion is the so-called phy-gital display, a volumetric 3D podium, composed of a cluster of transparent reflective wires and two digital screens integrated into the pavilion's architectural skin.

When viewed from a specific focal point, the cluster of wires forms a cohesive, flowing garment, the HUG (Holistic Unified Garment) bodysuit. This innovative suspension system replaces the need for bulky supporting materials, allowing the volumetric garment to float and interact with the light, enhancing the visual and conceptual unity between body, technology, and space.

Fusing Eastern treatment methodologies with Western approaches to science and technology, the HUG bodysuit envisions new forms of speculative tools that could help treat anxiety and de-accelerate the mind and body. Using Al and 3D design tools, the garment mimics natural forms and stimulate the triggering points in the body. DEOND explores how humans and the entire ecosystem could benefit if the duality of “Body as Machine/Body as Garden” were to dissolve.

“Body as Machine” is an idea developed in the West that attempts to prioritise technological acceleration and considers a body as a vehicle that doesn’t know its limitations. “Body as Garden” enhances self-regulatory capacity. This perspective is nourished in the East, where the body is not viewed as a vehicle with many separate parts, but a whole – a holistic environment.

“What if technological acceleration could give us a chance to become closer to nature - to return to what has been neglected and forgotten? How can we envision embedded devices that prevent physical anxiety, acting as a protective, healing second skin? How should we merge technology and nature to bridge?” — Ila Colombo & Deff Collective

The Enfold pavilion will be showcased during Dubai Design Week from November 5th to 10th, 2024 and will be located near the waterfront in the public spaces of the Dubai Design District (d3), positioned along the road between buildings 9 and 10.

Design: DEOND (Ross Lovegrove and Ila Colombo)
Location: Dubai
Year: 2024
Body Garment Sponsor: Stratasys
Digital Content: Deff collective
Photography: DEED STUDIO

© Ila Colombo & Deff Collective

© Ila Colombo & Deff Collective

© Deond

© Deond