Snarkitecture's giant beach-themed ball pit stars at Sydney Festival
by Kim Megson | 17 Jan 2017
New York design studio Snarkitecture have once again revived The Beach, their popular installation involving an indoor seaside experience and an ocean of plastic balls.
Sydney is the latest destination to host the piece, which doubles as an artwork and an attraction and was first created in 2015 for the National Building Museum in Washington D.C – where it attracted 200,000 visitors in just two months.
Taking cues from the familiar experience of a summer day at the beach, the installation utilises everyday materials, including scaffolding, panelling, and mirrors to create a sloping pit leading to an ocean of 1.1 million recyclable, antimicrobial plastic balls.
According to the designers, people of all ages are encouraged to “explore, play and relax in an immersive and extraordinary setting.”
The 60m wide shoreline offers visitors a beach-like experience, but without sand and with protection from the sun.
The attraction will be located at Barangaroo Reserve until 29 January as part of the annual Sydney Festival. This is the first time it has travelled outside the US. Previously, the Washington iteration was replicated temporarily in Tampa, Florida – where it was doubled in size.
The balls in Sydney have been transported from Tampa especially for the festival, and will be recycled locally after it is over.
Following Sydney, The Beach will continue to tour worldwide, with the next venue being announced in the next few months.
Snarkitecture The Beach Sydney Festival Australia National Building Museum Barangaroo Reserve
The installation creates a giant indoor beach-like experience, complete with deckchairs, inflatables and an 'ocean' you can swim in Credit: Tiffany Wong
The balls will be recycled after the festival is over Credit: Victoria Pickering
Everyday materials, including scaffolding, panelling and mirrors are all used Credit: Victoria Pickering
The installation is set to embark on a global tour this year Credit: Sydney Festival
10 Sep 2015
Snarkitecture’s blockbuster BEACH exhibition to live on in Washington’s underground art space
26 Aug 2015
Snarkitecture's indoor 'white beach' draws crowds to National Building Museum
09 Jun 2015
Snarkitecture installation recreates beach experience at Washington museum
New York design studio Snarkitecture have once again revived The Beach, their popular installation involving an indoor seaside experience and an ocean of plastic balls. Sydney is the latest destination to host the piece, which doubles as an artwork and an attraction and was first created in 2015 for the National Building Museum in Washington D.C – where it attracted 200,000 visitors in just two months. Taking cues from the
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