YEAR:
MAY 2024 – JUNE 2024
LOCATION:
THE ROOF GARDENS, LONDON
STATUS:
COMPLETED
About the Project
Ascend into the Clouds: The Roof Gardens’ Interactive Lift Experience
Welcome to The Roof Gardens in London, where the journey begins the moment you step into the lift. This 3D-printed interactive installation is more than just cladding—it’s an immersive experience that transforms a simple elevator ride into a magical cloud, taking you out of your everyday life and changing your mood as you ascend. Inspired by the concept of “Head in the clouds, feet on the dance floor,” our bespoke design captures the ethereal beauty of Mammatus clouds while setting the mood for the vibrant experiences that await on the rooftop.
Design & Material Process:
Sustainability and innovation were at the forefront of this project. The existing lift was scanned and cladding panels were printed from PLA bioplastics, chosen for their eco-friendly properties. Made from fermented sugar and produced locally in East London, these panels showcase the power of precise, bespoke, and local 3D printing. Not only can these panels be crushed and reprinted, but they can also be industrially composted at the end of their life cycle. To achieve the perfect balance of translucency and fire retardancy, we developed a custom material blend in-house.
Each lift surface, approximately 2x2m in size, was printed locally in London using an industrial robotic arm, ensuring a flawless, seamless finish without any visible joints. The entire process, from initial concept to final installation, was completed in just four weeks, demonstrating our commitment to efficiency without compromising on quality.
The Concept
The concept was clear: Create an environment where guests feel they’re ascending into the clouds, only to emerge on the dance floor. To bring this vision to life, we cladded every surface of the lift with custom 3D-printed panels. These panels mimic the dynamic texture of Mammatus clouds, with the design meticulously tailored using parametric modelling and VR technologies.
Imagine taking a lift and entering a magical cloud that glows vibrantly and unexpectedly, completely changing your mood—a mood vortex that enhances your journey to the space above. The tactile nature of the cladding invites guests to touch and appreciate it throughout their ride, engaging all the senses.
Every detail was carefully considered. The panels were crafted to integrate seamlessly with the lift’s functional elements, such as buttons and mirrors, ensuring both aesthetic and practical integrity. The result is a perfectly harmonised space where form meets function.
Adding to the sensory experience, the cladding is backlit with programmable LEDs that can be customised to match the theme of the club’s events. The lighting gently shifts, creating a soothing ambience as guests ascend, preparing them for the vibrant energy of The Roof Gardens.
Know more about the Project
TEAM
Mamou-Mani Architects
Arthur Mamou-Mani, James Cheung, Clinton Glen Mendonca, Zeynep Aydinoglu, Ariadna Wahab, Valeria Hapun
Fab Pub
Jonah Maxted, Jing Wen Chiou, Mathias Gmachl, Jeremy Felson, Giovanni Panico, Aslinur Taskin, Ariane Jones, Sarang Shah