Suspended above the dining area of gaga’s flagship store in Beijing’s Taikoo Li Sanlitun, Arc of the Wind introduces movement as an architectural element within the restaurant interior. Designed by Shanghai-based installation art studio topoloy, the site-specific work occupies the upper volume of the space, transforming an otherwise unused ceiling zone into a dynamic spatial feature that unfolds gradually throughout the day.
The installation hovers above visitors like a lightweight canopy. Measuring approximately 3m × 4m × 5m, it remains visible from multiple vantage points within the restaurant, from the entrance to the seating areas below. Its presence is subtle yet persistent, altering the perception of the interior through motion rather than through physical enclosure.
A Suspended Structure Shaped by Tension and Movement
The concept behind Arc of the Wind draws inspiration from two natural phenomena—a kite lifted by air currents and the layered opening of a flower. topoloy translated their behavior into a mechanical language of tension, suspension, and gradual transformation. The resulting structure is defined by the forces that shape its movement.
Built around a central mechanical core, the structure develops through curved elements that project outward and guide its movement. These components connect to translucent, blade-like modules through a network of tension lines. As the central mechanism activates, the outer elements slowly open and contract, creating a sequence of linked movements. This produces an ever-changing form that feels delicate in motion despite its precise engineering.
A motor-driven cable-and-pulley system powers the installation, while custom-designed connection nodes regulate the transfer of force across the structure. Importantly, part of this mechanism remains visible to visitors. The exposed cables, joints, and central node reveal how the work operates, allowing the technical framework to become part of the visual experience.
Arc of the Wind follows programmed motion curves that allow it to accelerate, slow, and pause gradually. The rhythm echoes natural cycles such as shifting wind patterns, breathing, or the unfolding of plant life. Operating alongside the restaurant’s daily schedule, the installation awakens with the store in the morning and settles into stillness at night, becoming a continuous presence within the interior.
Material choices reinforce this sense of lightness. The blade-like components were fabricated via 3D printing, enabling precise curved geometries and modular elements. Their translucent finish reduces visual weight, while the exposed tension lines and curved frames make structural forces legible. Viewed from afar, the installation appears almost weightless; from below, it reveals the complexity of its mechanical assembly.
Developed through extensive digital modeling and physical prototyping, the project balances aesthetic intent with operational requirements. Considerations, including weight distribution, cable tension, safety, maintenance, and long-term durability, informed the final design. The installation adopts a modular construction strategy, allowing individual components to be assembled, adjusted, inspected, or replaced without affecting the entire system. This approach ensures that the work functions as a lasting part of the restaurant rather than a temporary display piece.
Within the commercial setting of gaga’s flagship store, Arc of the Wind introduces a different way of shaping customer experience. It creates atmosphere through time and repetition. Whether noticed upon entering the restaurant, while waiting for a table, or during a meal, the installation gradually becomes woven into the daily life of the space. Through its measured motion and mechanical clarity, topoloy demonstrates how kinetic art can contribute to the character of an interior without overwhelming it.
Arc of the Wind Project Details
Project: Arc of the Wind
Location: Beijing, China
Studio: topoloy
Lead Creators: Haiwen Zhu, Jiatong Liu
Client: gaga
Year: 2026
Project Type: Site-Specific Kinetic Installation
Photography: Li Xin
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