Elastic Plastic Sponge, this piece is called the ‘Elastic Plastic Sponge’ and it was designed by LA based firm Ball-Noque Studio in collaboration with students from SCI-Arc, for the 2009 annual Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival. Its unique shape is derived through the implementation of what is called an ‘active form’. In an ‘active form’ the shape of said object is obtained directly from the properties o the material.
© Ball-Noque Studio
250 cells of plastic rod are formed by being woven against a SCI-Arc student-built jig. The cells, which are basically two dimensional, are able to be flat transported to the festival and unfolded and put into sequence upon arrival. Imbedded within the form of each cell is a fluorescent tube able to shift its orientation relative to neighboring cells. By way of this versatility, the whole structure is afforded the effect of a sweeping motion. Part of this versatility means that the entire structure is capable of being quickly reconfigured to accommodate a variety of differing programs including a theatre and a lounge, or more abstractly, as a large illuminated Mobius strip.
Matt Davis is a Virginia Tech graduate and one of the founding editors behind Arch2O. Launching the platform in mid‑2012 alongside fellow Hokies, he helped shape its identity as an international hub for design innovation and critical dialogue . With a foundation in architectural education and a passion for uncovering unconventional design approaches, Matt has contributed significantly—both editorially and strategically—to Arch2O’s growth, ensuring that emerging architects, academics, and creatives have a space to question, explore, and elevate the built environment.