Kaleidoscope is a float design for the 2019 Pride March in London and Manchester. The competition was run by Architecture LGBT+ and London Festival of Architecture.
The Float is a mirrored Kaleidoscope, that reflects, refracts and scatters the colours of Pride. Inspired by diamonds and prisms, where the colours are not embedded in the object itself, they are instead a product of light passing through it.
In this Kaleidoscope Float the public are the light. When surrounded by the Pride March and filled with the Architecture LGBT+ community, the float is alive with colours. The Kaleidoscope magnifies and duplicates its surroundings. Inside the Float, the mirrors will create a fractal effect, reflections on top of reflections, every movement, every dance move will reflect to infinity.
Geometry
The design is to provide the maximum impact on the budget. An exciting design that is bold and different. That will create a dramatic and joyful space.
As an architectural design, the Float intends to tap into this spirit of Pride, to provide a space that matches both the party atmosphere, whether it is a catwalk, a dance floor, or a place to take the best Selfie at Pride. It will celebrate the vibrancy and colour of the March. The floor is painted in the rainbow colours of Pride. This will not be visible to those outside the float, however it will add to the colours in the reflections of the Kaleidoscope.
Demountability
The apparent complexity of the cladding is deceivingly simple. Each of the 9 triangular panels are identical. They are a metal frame clad in a series of Mirrored Acrylic strips. The Acrylic is available in 2.4x1.2m panels. These panels can be cut on a table saw (or similar) in the workshop. They will be fixed onto the metal frame with zipties.
These triangular panels will be mounted two portal frames. These two frames will be secured to the flatbed. There is minimal work required onsite to assemble the Kaleidoscope. Everything will arrive in the back of the flatbed truck. The simplicity will allow for it to be delivered on time and safely.
LEGACY
The Kaleidoscope roof can be reconfigured after the March. To create full Kaleidoscope, either horizontally or as a tower. That you would be able to stand inside.