Richard Clarkson disguises Bluetooth speaker as levitating indoor cloud
Designer Richard Clarkson has created a small, remote-controlled cloud for the home that plays music and flashes while hovering a few centimetres from the ground.
The Making Weather project is a collaboration between Clarkson and Crealev – a company that specialises in creating levitating products.
![Making Weather a levitating cloud project](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/10/making-weather-a-levitating-cloud-project-richard-clarkson-design_dezeen_2364_col_4-852x568.jpg)
Made from clumps of white polyester fibres, the cloud and its base are embedded with magnetic components that allow it to float a few centimetres off the ground.
According to the designer, the cloud has "full rotational movement" and bobs slightly up and down to create a "realistic atmospheric experience".
"The shape of the cloud is designed to represent a cumulus hovering on the horizon, though we also drew inspiration from more generic cloud-computing icons," Clarkson told Dezeen.
"Each cloud is hand fluffed so each one is unique – just like a cloud should be," he added.
![Making Weather a levitating cloud project](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/10/making-weather-a-levitating-cloud-project-richard-clarkson-design_dezeen_2364_col_2-852x568.jpg)
While the base itself must remain plugged in, a rechargeable battery powers the cloud – which also features an built-in Bluetooth speaker and sound-reactive LED lights.
Although the design is currently a prototype, the designer hopes it will soon become commercially available.
![Making Weather a levitating cloud project](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/10/making-weather-a-levitating-cloud-project-richard-clarkson-design_dezeen_2364_col_1-852x568.jpg)
Clarkson, who initially designed the cloud to hang from the ceiling, often creates conceptual versions of regular products.
Previously, the New Zealand designer created a conceptual smartphone that combines a digital touch-screen on the front with interchangeable mechanical dials on the back.