Ark Nova: the world’s first inflatable mobile concert hall

Survivors of the tsunami that devastated much of Japan’s north-eastern coast will be treated to some unique musical relief with the opening of the world’s first inflatable mobile concert hall.

The Ark Nova functions as a classical music hall with a maximum capacity of 500 people, but it’s made of a coated polyester material and can be inflated in just two hours. The balloon-like structure is the brainchild of British sculptor Anish Kapoor and Japanese architect Arata Isozaki, conceived as a budget-friendly solution to holding travelling relief concerts after the 2011 tsunamis.

Much of Japan’s north-east coast was ravaged in March 2011 by a magnitude 9.0-earthquake and tsunami, killing nearly 19,000 people and sparking a horrific accident at the Fukushima nuclear plant.

The Ark Nova can be deflated quite easily and travel around the region to host other events that “help bring people together,” a press statement said. Wood from the Matsushima’s damaged cedar trees will be used for the interior.

The blow-up venue will hold its first event this weekend when it plays home to Switzerland’s Lucerne Festival. Performances include the Sendai Philharmonic Orchestra and traditional Japanese kabuki theatre.