Floating Colours is an expansive, ribbon-like sculpture that seemingly floats in the atrium of Dubai Mall, spanning the height of its three storeys. Created for Flag Day 2018, it was inspired by the United Arab Emirates flag, the two sides of the ribbon showing the flag’s colours—one side is completely red, the other is green, white and black. The sculpture is reminiscent of a long ribbon whose curves seem to have been shaped by the wind. Its three-dimensional sweeps and colourful appearance create an impression of lightness and joy, making it a potent symbol of national identity.
The sculpture unfurls through the three-storey atrium; the intense physicality and presence of this temporary installation draw attention to the architectural space, charging it with meaning.
Floating Colours was designed computationally and is made up of 22 separate pieces of aluminium covered in fabric. One of the projects biggest challenges was suspending the complex, 180-metre-long shape unobtrusively.
Images © The Dubai Mall (except image 4)
