Pyramid Scope by People’s Architecture Office – Inflatable Landmark at Shenzhen Biennale

The Pyramid Scope, designed by People’s Architecture Office (PAO), is a striking installation created for the 9th Shenzhen Biennale of Urbanism and Architecture (UABB) in 2022. Located at the historic Kingway Brewery courtyard in Shenzhen, China, this innovative inflatable structure redefines public art, urban installations, and temporary architecture.

Concept and Inspiration

The design is rooted in the paradox of ecosystems—seemingly stable yet inherently fragile. Inspired by this duality, the architects conceived the Tower of Mirrors, a visually metallic but lightweight fabric structure. By mirroring two pyramid forms vertically, they created a bold, futuristic landmark that challenges perception and materiality.

Architectural Form and Urban Presence

Suspended above the open-air courtyard, the upper pyramid extends beyond the brewery walls, making it part of the city’s urban façade. Visible from a distance, it acts as an urban landmark in Shenzhen, symbolizing innovation, adaptability, and the fusion of architecture with public space.

At night, the inflatable mirror pyramid transforms into a glowing beacon. Illuminated from within, it becomes a surreal sculpture embedded in the city’s skyline, altering the atmosphere of the surrounding landscape.

Interactive Experience

The installation is more than a visual icon—it is interactive architecture.

• Street-level Reflections: Openings in the brewery walls allow passersby to see distorted reflections of the urban surroundings on the mirrored inflatable.
• Immersive Interior: Inside, visitors encounter the inverted pyramid enclosed by three walls. A circular inflatable seating area invites people to recline and gaze upward into layered reflective views.
• Kaleidoscopic Nodes: Specially designed connection nodes, composed of multiple rings, allow visitors to peer through inflatable tubes. These create kaleidoscope-like perspectives—views of the sky, the city, and even fellow visitors through playful distortions.

Sustainable Design and Adaptability

The Pyramid Scope was engineered with lightweight materials and modular construction methods, making it quick to install with minimal disruption to its context. This adaptability means it can be dismantled, reconfigured into new triangulated forms, or fully recycled—aligning with sustainable architecture practices.

The project exemplifies how temporary structures can generate lasting cultural impact while being environmentally responsible.

Architectural Significance

With its futuristic aesthetics, community-centered design, and experimental materiality, Pyramid Scope showcases the potential of public installations to transform urban spaces. It blends art, design, and sustainability into a powerful architectural statement that engages both locals and international visitors.

All the photographs are works of Yi Tang, UABB