Loved this huge architectural installation in the courtyard of Chelsea College of Art as part of the London Design Festival in the capital this week. It is The Smile by Alison Brooks Architects. The Smile is made of tulipwood and is 34 metres long, and 3 metres high, and contains two 12 metre cantilevered arms which were engineered by Arup.
It has been likened to Noah's Ark, and it certainly felt like it as we were ushered in two by two.
Inside it felt very spacious, and was well lit with strip lighting running along the floor, and also through these small, oval port-holes. I was surprised how steep the structure was inside at each end due to the cantilevered arms. It took a mild effort to climb the steep arms of the structure to see the views at either end. The Smile is a really successful collaboration for all involved, and possibly the event/installation of the 2016 London Design Festival.
