Architecture, music, sport and technology came together in an experimental, multi-sensory experience in the form of the Coca-Cola Beatbox pavilion at the London 2012 Olympics.
Asif Khan won the commission to design the Beatbox following a search by the Architecture Foundation for the best single emerging talent in British Architecture.
The giant crystalline structure was made of 200 interlocked translucent air cushions, each about the size of a billboard. With the cushions there was audio, lighting and responsive technology that brought the interactive element into the installation.
Visitors were able to “play” some of the cushions on the exterior of the structure – a remix of the “Anywhere in the World” Olympic track. The recording integrated into the cushions including the sounds of athletes’ heartbeats, shoes squeaking and arrows hitting a target. The sounds were remixed by the visitors that made the 200m way up to the pavilion’s rooftop.
The installation further highlighted Coca-Cola’s “cheers in celebration” slogan through emulating the energy released when a bottle of the fizzy drink is shared and served. 180 bespoke mechatronic bubbles glow and transform into red and white lighting as more participants took part.
The Coca-Cola Beatbox was brought to life at a private event that saw young performers from across London seeking to encourage visitors to recycle, and help share the spirit of London 2012 across the globe.
