![](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2009/06/nissan-y150-dream-front-pavilion-by-torafu-architects-top.jpg)
Nissan Y150 Dream Front pavilionby Torafu Architects
Tokyo practice Torafu Architects have created a pavilion filled with inflated, plastic balls inside a warehouse on the Shinko Pier in Yokohama, Japan.
![nissanpavilion7.jpg](http://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2009/06/nissanpavilion7.jpg)
The project was conceived for automotive company Nissan to display their PIVO 2 electric car.
![nissanpavilion22.jpg](http://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2009/06/nissanpavilion22.jpg)
The sixteen bubbles measuring between 4.5 and 10 metres in diameter have images projected onto their surfaces and contain pieces of paper with messages from visitors written on them.
![nissanpavilion3.jpg](http://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2009/06/nissanpavilion3.jpg)
The car is displayed in a central enclosure that is furnished with seating made of concertinaed paper.
![nissanpavilion21.jpg](http://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2009/06/nissanpavilion21.jpg)
Photographs are by Daici Ano except where stated otherwise.
![nissanpavilion1.jpg](http://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2009/06/nissanpavilion1.jpg)
Here's some more information from Torafu Architects:
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Y150 NISSAN PAVILION
Using Air as a Material
The NISSAN Y150 Dream Front pavilion was designed as part of the EXPO Y150 initiative commemorating the 150th Anniversary of the Opening of the Port of Yokohama.
![nissanpavilion16.jpg](http://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2009/06/nissanpavilion16.jpg)
Located in a warehouse on the Shinko Pier, the Nissan Motors PR project spanned two areas focusing on the theme of children and the environment; “Word Park” and “Pivo Labo”.
![nissanpavilion24.jpg](http://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2009/06/nissanpavilion24.jpg)
“Word Park” is a large exhibition space that houses 16 giant bubbles ranging from 4.5m to 10m in diameter where 1 million messages are expected to fill them; whirling and dancing around as blue leaves.
![nissanpavilion13.jpg](http://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2009/06/nissanpavilion13.jpg)
These bubbles give the surrounding space its physicality, inviting visitors to playfully navigate through it.
![nissanpavilion17.jpg](http://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2009/06/nissanpavilion17.jpg)
Incidentally, the spheres touch at certain points, supporting each other and creating a feeling of tension.
![nissanpavilion10.jpg](http://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2009/06/nissanpavilion10.jpg)
Virtual images projected on the 0.5mm thin membranes come to life on the round surfaces giving them the aspect of solidity.
![nissanpavilion20.jpg](http://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2009/06/nissanpavilion20.jpg)
Natural light coming down from skylights passes through layers of transparent and opaque membranes; casting and distorting shadows of visitors moving between the spheres and giving the whole space its tone and atmosphere in a hazy mix of projected shapes and shapeless forms.
![nissanpavilion6.jpg](http://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2009/06/nissanpavilion6.jpg)
We sought to give the pavilion an ever-changing enchanted atmosphere with its many reflected images and to eliminate the tributary relationship between ground and figure represented here by the open space and spheres respectively.
![nissanpavilion4.jpg](http://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2009/06/nissanpavilion4.jpg)
“Pivo Labo” features the Nissan PIVO 2 electric car and a video showcase of the company’s environmental practices. (Above image by Alessio Guarino)
![nissanpavilion23.jpg](http://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2009/06/nissanpavilion23.jpg)
Kids’ seats in “Pivo Labo” are made of recycled paper honeycombs echoing the concept used in “Word Park” where a compact object filled with air populates a larger area. (Above image by Torafu Architects.)
![nissanpavilion12.jpg](http://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2009/06/nissanpavilion12.jpg)
Stemming from Nissan’s vision for a future with clean air, our concept aimed to create a generous form of expression by allowing light and signs of presence to permeate the surroundings and by using air as a material itself.
![nissanpavilion8.jpg](http://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2009/06/nissanpavilion8.jpg)
![nissanpavilion19.jpg](http://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2009/06/nissanpavilion19.jpg)
![nissanpavilion18.jpg](http://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2009/06/nissanpavilion18.jpg)
Above two images by Torafu Architects.
![nissanpavilion5.jpg](http://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2009/06/nissanpavilion5.jpg)
![nissanpavilion9.jpg](http://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2009/06/nissanpavilion9.jpg)
![nissanpavilion15.jpg](http://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2009/06/nissanpavilion15.jpg)
Above image by Torafu Architects.
![nissanpavilion14.jpg](http://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2009/06/nissanpavilion14.jpg)
![nissanpavilion11.jpg](http://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2009/06/nissanpavilion11.jpg)
More about Torafu Architects on Dezeen:
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![torafuthum4.jpg](http://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2009/06/torafuthum4.jpg)
![torafuthum3.jpg](http://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2009/06/torafuthum3.jpg)
![torafuthum5.jpg](http://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2009/06/torafuthum5.jpg)
![torafuthum1.jpg](http://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2009/06/torafuthum1.jpg)
![torafuthum2.jpg](http://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2009/06/torafuthum2.jpg)