On the occasion of Milan Design Week 2018, MAD Architects, led by Ma Yansong has realized an immersive art installation for AUDI.
“Fifth Ring” creates a new dimension inside the courtyard of Milan’s historic Seminario Arcivescovile – a seminary built in 1564 for St. Carlo Borromeo. The presence of the circular ring inside the square of the courtyard’s four walls stands as a symbol of mankind’s continued search for perfection, while also defining a new dimension for the traditional courtyard.
From a bird’s-eye view, the large suspended ring of light acts as an architectural, fifth façade. But from the ground, the illuminated circle frames the sky, drawing the viewer to look upwards, towards the infinite universe.
Pools of water give off spectacular reflections, forming an infinite perception of space between the ring of light, the water and the sky, giving visitors the feeling they are walking amongst the clouds. As it looms above, the “Fifth Ring” acts as a portal to a fifth dimension, opening up the dialogue between humans and the celestial unknown.
MAD Architects and Audi combine the philosophical approach of the fifth element with the Audi Aicon – and thus with a mobility concept for tomorrow’s world, with a revolutionary design. Besides the concept car, the focus is on the new Audi A6 Sedan. The Audi A7 Sportback and the Audi A8 are further elements of the installation.
“The illuminated ring in the square boundary of the historical courtyard stands for mankind’s strive for perfection,” describes Ma Yansong, the founder of MAD Architects, the staging. “It floats above a water basin and reflects the constantly changing sky. It gives the viewer the feeling of walking in the clouds.”
“This search for perfection is the force for innovation and the drive that makes Audi cars so special,” adds Fabrizio Longo, Brand Manager of Audi Italy.
The installation marks AUDI’s presence for the sixth time at Milan Design Week and will be on show through April 22, 2018.
images courtesy of AUDI – MAD Architects | aerial view © Moreno Maggi
Location: Seminario Arcivescovile – Corso Venezia, 11, 20121 Milano MI, Italy
Desgn Team: Ma Yansong, Dang Qun, Yosuke Hayano, Marco Gastoldi, Andrea D’Antrassi, Casey Kell, Connor Hymes
Engineering: Maco Technology
Light Design: Artemide