Poolbar Festival 2024

In the summer of 2024, the VOLNA art collective participated in a project to create an architectural landscape for the Poolbar Festival in Feldkirch, Vorarlberg, Austria. This initiative stemmed from the Poolbar Generator Lab, held earlier that year, in which VOLNA, along with six other young architects, worked under the guidance of the festival’s lead architect, Victor Dölle, to develop a new concept for the festival's temporary architecture.

A key aspect of this project was the integration of textiles into the architectural design, which was meant to reflect the festival's dynamic nature over its six-week duration. The installation featured six wooden pavilions and a distinct entry gate, all unified by a single stylistic approach. The pavilions featured roofs angled in two planes and were adorned with flowing textile draperies that brought both aesthetic charm and practical benefits.

These curtains served a functional role by offering protection from the sun and rain while also giving the pavilions a light, playful quality. The varied design and arrangement of the textiles created a dynamic interplay of light and shadow, continuously changing the atmosphere of the space. Even the slightest movement, whether from a gentle breeze or the rhythmic stamping of festival-goers, caused the curtains to shift, transforming the overall ambiance of the festival.

The design's flexibility allowed each pavilion to adapt to the specific themes and needs of different events, creating a range of unique experiences while maintaining a cohesive overall look. This adaptability ensured that the festival space could evolve throughout its run, offering fresh and engaging environments for attendees.

Through their involvement in both the design and construction phases, VOLNA helped create an environment that was not only visually striking but also highly responsive and interactive. In 2024, the Poolbar Festival, known for reinventing its visual identity each year, reached new heights with this concept.

Credits

  • Architectural Concept: Victor Dölle, Jakob Hatter, Laura Keiblinger, Agnes Schulz-Bongert, Clara Rummer, Jan Aimé Fräulin, VOLNA
  • Photo: Matthias Romberg, Ira & John, VOLNA
  • Video: Ira & John, Polina Korotaeva, VOLNA
  • Special Thanks: Polina Korotaeva, William Cohen, Atelier Ulrike Stark and personally Sami Akkach
  • Commissioned by: Poolbar Festival
  • Supported by: Culture Moves Europe, a project funded by the European Union and Goethe-Institut.
  • Disclaimer: This work was produced with the financial assistance of the European Union. The views expressed herein can in no way be taken to reflect the official opinion of the European Union.
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