EBBA Architects, the London-based studio helmed by Benni Allan, has unveiled a captivating installation named Pulse at this year’s Houghton Festival. Designed to act as an immersive oasis, the structure establishes a palpable link between festival-goers and the natural environment of the surrounding forest clearing. Allan’s vision was to create a space for deep sensory connection, translating the often-unseen vitality of the woodland setting into tangible sound and light experiences. This architecture project stands as a testament to combining sensitive design with innovative technology.
The foundation of Pulse is a striking square platform, crafted from black-stained softwood and plywood, with inviting slanted edges. This base provides a place for visitors to sit and relax, simultaneously serving as a haptic interface. Above this seating area, a vast canopy mirrors the platform’s chamfered square geometry, suspended dramatically from the mature trees that ring the clearing. This dual-component structure anchors the installation within its specific site at the music festival.
Informed by the geometric principles of tetrahedral kites conceptualised by inventor Alexander Graham Bell, the canopy boasts an intricate waffle-like structure made from plywood sheets, wrapped in translucent waterproof fabric. This lightweight design transforms into a dynamic display at night. The true magic of Pulse lies in its responsiveness: sound recordings taken directly from the surrounding trees are translated into vibrations felt in the base and an ethereal soundscape composed by Kevin Pollard.
These same tree recordings dictate the light display within the canopy. During the day, the fabric gently glows white, but as darkness falls, it comes alive with pulsing, colourful lights that visually manifest the forest’s hidden rhythms. Allan explained that the intention was to “help create a feeling of connection with the context,” specifically selecting four mature trees that formed a natural grid to give the concept for the sound and haptics a clear rationale. This meticulous approach to site-specificity elevates the structure beyond mere decoration.
As a complementary experience to the energetic atmosphere of the Houghton Festival, Pulse was conceived as an oasis—a space for both reflection and profound relaxation. Allan envisioned it as a momentary escape from the main event’s music, a place that brings all the senses to the fore through this unique blend of art and technology. The contemporary architecture studio’s experimental nature shines through in this project, which aims to evolve and develop based on how people engage with it.
Demonstrating a commitment to sustainable temporary architecture, the platform base is designed to remain a permanent fixture in the Norfolk woodlands. In contrast, the intricate canopy component is fully demountable, designed for easy disassembly, storage, and reinstallation for future festivals. This pragmatic approach to design ensures that the innovative spirit of EBBA Architects‘ Pulse installation can be enjoyed for years to come, continuing to bridge the gap between human experience and the natural world.