Opening for Luis Pons / Inventory 2
Dec 1 @ 7p
Buena Vista Building
189 NE 39 Street #120
Miami Design District

from November 29‐December 4, 2011.

Please join us on Thursday, Dec 1 from 7-11pm for a reception in the Miami Design District. Luis Pons’ new, interactive “Chapel” will be on view in the Buena Vista Building as part of Inventory 02: Soul Does Matter. Drawing on a diverse set of worldviews represented in a range of media, this second iteration in Thais Fontenelle’s Inventory series explores the interplay between the material and the intangible personalities of design objects.

“Chapel” an organically shaped, meditation chamber designed by architect Luis Pons will be part of Inventory 02: Soul Does Matter, an exhibition that will showcase the work of a provocative group of designers who embrace the concept of limited production manufacturing. Inventory 02: Soul Does Matter will be on view in the Buena Vista Building, 189 NE 39 Street #120, in the Miami Design District from November 29‐December 4, 2011.

“Chapel” offers a relaxed interior for one to four people and is pre‐programmed by the facilitator to support the users’ individual needs during daily sessions. Upon entry users experience a period of meditation, during which the chapel’s integrated lighting, sound, and aroma therapeutic scent systems are set to create a calming atmosphere. Meditation is followed by activation of the video‐conferencing mode, during which users engage in a twoway communication with an energy expert via the Chapel’s Internet connected state‐of‐the‐art video conferencing system. Sessions close with the Chapel returning once again to a meditation atmosphere for a period of time. When users leave the Chapel low‐level lighting gently illuminates the interior until the next session begins.

“In the Chapel we leave the distractions and chatter of the everyday world behind. Here we are able to embrace and enhance our ability to reconnect to the energy source that is within ourselves and always available in the universe,” says Pons. “The chapel’s organic shape is a symbol of life itself. Like a cocoon, it is a source of, and protective space for, birth, rebirth, renewal, and growth.”

The 18’ x 12’ x 9’ structure will be fabricated from 69 elliptical panels crafted from translucent white fabric that was custom designed, creating a soft oval interior space. This interior space sits on an oval platform made of acrylic light cast cotton. A custom designed sofa bench offering seating for up to four people inside the Chapel is oriented toward a 42” audio/video LED display with integrated speakers. The audio/visual system includes an Apple Mac mini control processor and computer, an HD web camera with a microphone, and an iPod Touch. A highperformance LED lighting system can be programmed to bathe the interior in various lighting schemes.