MAD unveils interactive Breathing Cells sculpture at Seoul Biennale of Architecture
Architecture studio MAD has designed a "giant mattress" at the Seoul Biennale of Architecture that comforts people standing next to it by illuminating and releasing cooling water mist.
Located at the Songhyeon Green Plaza in Seoul, South Korea – the biennale's central location – the artwork is 4.8 metres tall and 2.4 metres wide.
MAD's design aimed to showcase the studio's research into the future of facades, while also responding to the Seoul Biennale of Architecture and Urbanism's theme, Radically More Human.
Breathing Cells has a soft pneumatic membrane that was designed to provide comfort to people standing next to it by adjusting its light and temperature using an intelligent control system.
"Breathing Cells seeks to explore the subtle relationship between the individual and the urban environment," MAD founder Ma Yansong said.
"Each 'cell' represents an independent entity within the city, while the rhythmic interplay of light and mist symbolises the breathing cadence of life and the city itself."
The sculpture's control system can be put on standby, but its shape and material "remain soft and inviting, reminiscent of a giant mattress, exuding warmth and approachability", MAD said.
As well as the light units, which illuminate the structure's 'cells', Breathing Cells also has a function that sees it release ethereal water mist in hot weather.
"This explores the potential for architectural skins to interact with their environment, metaphorically suggesting a deeper understanding of 'humanisation' in future architecture – where buildings are not merely functional containers but become sentient, responsive living entities," said MAD.
This year's Seoul Biennale of Architecture is curated by British designer Thomas Heatherwick, who created a twisted Humanise Wall at its centre that was designed to start a conversation with the people of Seoul.
However, the wall was criticised by Seoul creatives who said it displayed a "profound lack of judgment".
The photography is courtesy of MAD.
Seoul Biennale of Architecture and Urbanism takes place from 26 September to 18 November 2025 in Seoul, South Korea. See Dezeen Events Guide for an up-to-date list of architecture and design events taking place around the world.
Project credits:
Design team: Huang Juntao, Li Qingzhi, Jiang Yunyao, Wang Houxiang
Lighting technical support: Opple Lighting
Fabrication team: Top Space (China) International Trade Co, Ltd
Structure consultant: Bespoke. Sur-Mesure Engineering Studio
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