INFLATABLE: Floating Solar-Powered Stage Could Revitalize Miami Marine Stadium

INFLATABLE is a new proposal by <a href="http://pinkcloud.dk/work/05/inflatable" target="_blank">PinkCloud.DK</a> to revitalize the abandoned Miami Marine Stadium into a major performance venue and an icon for the city. Taking 2nd place in the <a href="http://dawntown.org/2011/05/03/2011-dawntown-floating-stage-winners/" target="_blank">2011 DawnTown Miami Floating Stage Competition</a>, the <a href="http://inhabitat.com/tkaronto-pavilion-design-features-vinyl-balloon-poof-that-is-touted-as-sustainable/" target="_blank">inflatable super structure</a> provides shade for the floating stage below and can be seen from downtown Miami. INFLATABLE is also completely mobile and easy to set up, relatively inexpensive and flexible for various events and performances. Plus it would be covered with solar panels to generate electricity for its own events

The Miami Marine Stadium was originally designed by Hilario Candela, built in 1963, and has since been abandoned and vandalized.

The annual DawnTown design competition seeks to come up with innovative design solutions for the downtown Miami area and this year's project was to come up with ways to revitalize the stadium into a recognizable city landmark.

PinkCloud.DK's solution had three design goals: 1. It must be easy to set up and move;

2. In order to convince taxpayers, it must be cheap; and 3. It should attract attention and have a unique identity.

INFLATABLE is composed of a large helium filled disk with a 280 ft span and tied down by six anchor cables.

The disc is inflated on top of the stage next to the shore with helium, then towed out into the marina where it is finally set up according to the specs of the event.

Cross section of the helium disc shows that the disc is composed of cavities separated by light wells.

Light tubes built into the disc draw diffused natural daylight to the stage below, while LED lights provide additional lighting, which are powered by thin film solar photovoltaic panels integrated onto the top of the inflatable disc.

The disc is attached to a floating stage that can be placed anywhere in the marina with flexible configurations for a variety of events and performances.

The buoyant disc also provides shade for the stage below.

This low impact stadium setup is powered by the sun and would surely become a major attraction for Miami residents and visitors.

Alternate configurations can turn the disc into a backdrop for the performance.

INFLATABLE is easy to set up and move, budget friendly for the taxpayers and it creates an instantly recognizable icon for the city.