VNR: Giant architecture inflatables pop up at UH Mānoa

University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa
Contact:
Sarah L Hendrix, (808) 260-3565
Comm Spec, External Affairs and University Relations
Posted: May 3, 2022


Link to video and sound (details below): https://bit.ly/3vZK71D

WHAT: Pneumatic structures (giant inflatable spaces) in the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa’s historic quad. A total of eight structures were built by 10 teams made up of 65 first-year architecture students.

WHEN: Tuesday, May 3, 2–5 p.m.

WHO: UH Mānoa architecture students, faculty and staff and anyone who happens to be walking by.

WHERE: The historic quad lawn between Hawaiʻi Hall and the School of Architecture.

WHY: This project gives architecture students a rare opportunity to actually build a full-size, inhabitable structure. Most structures can comfortably hold about 70 people inside.

OTHER FACTS:

  • The pneumatic structures were designed and built by students in Architecture 102, a beginning design studio course.

  • The pneumatic structures are constructed of plastic that is welded and taped together. Everyday household standing fans inflate the structures.

  • It is the first time since 2019 that the inflatable structures have popped up on the lawn due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

  • Students study conditions onsite, such as wind, rain and topography, and features such as trees. 

  • The construction of the inflatables gives students a chance to see how their design compares to what they imagined and anticipated. 

VIDEO BROLL: (1 minute, 46 seconds)

·      Variety of shots outside of the structures

·      Variety of shots inside the structures

·      Variety of shots of student project on display in structure

SOUNDBITES:

Lance Walters, School of Architecture, associate professor (9 seconds)
“It is a great experience for them as freshmen because it’s really the first time and maybe the only time they will get to build a full-scale structure that they designed.”

Michael Bennett, former NFL player, first-year architecture student (11 seconds)
“I think teamwork is everything. For me playing in the NFL for 12 years everything was about teamwork. When you think about design it’s all about teamwork. Everybody’s doing something, everybody’s adding to the process.”