Introduction
The name comes from the “wormhole” of scientific theory, a hypothetical structure that connects distant points in spacetime. The project brings together two ideas from our collaboration with DezignTechnic: a set of portals that join into one landscape for visitors to walk through, and a lightweight structure of soft ‘worms’, or pool noodles.
Portal Segments
Each portal module is a different type, so the landscape changes as visitors walk through.
Pool Noodles
Polyethylene pool noodles are cheap and easy to find. They are soft enough to sit on and flexible enough to take many configurations.
Clusters
Fabrication would bundle pool noodles into clusters that form the base of each piece. The clusters would be wire-cut into profiles for the portals and the urban furniture, following CNC-made templates taken from the 3D model.
After The Event
MEAN* and DezignTechnic proposed Wormhole for Dubai Design Week, held in Dubai Design District. After the event, the structure would be taken apart into pieces of urban furniture and wayfinding for d3 residents and visitors, so the pool noodles stay in use.
The pool noodles can be shaped and cut precisely into curved profiles that follow the portal landscape, and are chosen to make soft outdoor seating.