Xiaotian Sun’s shelter provides a break from city life  

Breathing is an interactive urban shelter that encourages a relationship with the city, counteracting the stresses of a fast paced life in a world that seems increasingly hostile. Designer Xiaotian Sun created the project as a response to what she saw as the negative entropy of a city — with dangers such as pollution and traffic making daily life a stressful experience, momentary relief seems necessary.

In Sun’s shelter fabric, wood fishing wire and turntables are incorporated into a structure with numerous panels that contract periodically, mimicking the sound and action of deep breathing — and this action encourages reciprocation, leaving users more relaxed and able to concentrate more. The aim is to facilitate a more positive relationship with the city, to breathe with the environment and transform anxiety into relief.    

In recent months we’ve seen a turn towards mindfulness, with a greater awareness of the present moment becoming a priority in all fields. We’ve written previously about more holistic approaches to built environments, with projects such as the Ace Hotel X Inherent Vicelight installation and Snarkitecture’s Cos show interior creating interactive spaces that encourage sensory immersion.

Breathing can be seen at the RCA Show Kensington until 5th July.