2025 | Professional

NY Architectural Design Awards Gold Winner Winner

Horizon

Entrant Company

Init Development Inc

Category

Urban Design and Planning - Public Art and Cultural Initiatives in Urban Design

Client's Name

Country / Region

Canada

Horizon: Transforming Urban Spaces Through Immersive Art

Horizon is a touring interactive installation designed to turn urban environments into sanctuaries of calm and wonder. Offering a unique escape from the pace of city life, it invites visitors to recline inside beautifully crafted cocoons and gaze upwards, where interactive light and soundscapes unfold. Inspired by the theme of the sky, these user-triggered visual narratives, a starry sky, a flock of birds and a canopy, immerse participants in awe and contemplation, encouraging a slower, more mindful experience.



A catalyst for social connection and well-being, Horizon masterfully blends digital technology, cutting-edge materials like polycarbonate and steel, and the warmth of wood to create a a seamless fusion of nature and innovation. This architectural interplay reinforces its core message: finding tranquility and connection within the urban environment.



Horizon’s modular and adaptable design enables seamless integration into diverse settings, indoors and out, in all climates, from -40°C to +40°C. Accessibility is central, with a unit equipped with a ramp ensuring participation for visitors with reduced mobility.



The project rests on three key pillars: technological innovation, social and economic impact, and art for all. User-triggered light and sound narratives transform spaces into immersive environments, generating foot traffic while fostering local creative ecosystems. Celebrating Quebec's creativity on the global stage, Horizon democratizes art and makes it accessible to all.



Horizon’s sustainable design and adaptable touring model further amplify its impact. All the wood used comes from reclaimed urban ash, giving a second life to trees felled in Montreal due to the emerald ash borer. Every aspect of the touring model is optimized to minimize its fabrication footprint by giving the installation many lives and by involving local teams to minimize transportation.



Horizon’s touring model makes it a powerful catalyst for urban revitalization, bringing people together through shared experiences. From Montreal to Detroit, Seattle to Naples, it has proven its ability to transform public spaces, fostering connection, well-being, and a sense of belonging—all while showcasing the power of art to beautify public spaces and enrich communities.

Credits

Creation and Artistic Direction
Olivier Landreville
Sound & Light Design and Design of Interactive Control System
Serge Maheu
Structure and Engineering
Maintenance Industries Meca-Fab Inc
(wooden) Structure
Escouade l'atelier
Production & Owner
Init
Tour Production
Creos
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