Atelier VRAC has created a striking temporary installation along the Moașa Sebeșului River, a tributary of the Sebeș River in Romania's Făgăraș Mountains. The circular structure was presented during Făgăraș Fest and consists of a precisely designed geometric form placed directly within the riverbed. The installation frames the natural mountain setting through architectural intervention while allowing the river water to flow freely beneath the structure.
The installation establishes a geometric boundary that forms an outdoor room, temporarily redefining the linear landscape of the river. This boundary is composed of slender vertical elements topped with solar light globes, accompanied by a suspended textile canopy that creates a light, permeable enclosure. The canopy gently brushes against the vegetation on both riverbanks, subtly incorporating the surrounding natural environment into the artistic intervention.
The design creates different experiences based on the visitor's size and movement patterns. Children can pass beneath the fabric canopy with ease, while adults must bend slightly to enter the enclosed space. Within the circular structure, an angled pontoon is positioned off-center and can only be reached by stepping directly into the river water. This element creates a moment of pause in the flowing environment, offering visitors a distinct opportunity for stillness and reflection within the temporary structure.
The installation also integrates a narrow river crossing adjacent to the circular perimeter. A series of stepping stones has been placed at stride-length intervals, encouraging deliberate and mindful movement between the festival's camping area and the riverbank site. At night, the solar light globes provide minimal illumination, ensuring visibility for visitors while maintaining a subdued atmosphere that respects the natural mountain environment.
Designed specifically for Făgăraș Fest, which is organized by the Conservation Carpathia Association, the project by creative studio Atelier VRAC reflects the festival's dual purpose. The event advocates for national park protection of the Făgăraș Mountains while highlighting the cultural potential of the local community. In a context where mountain streams face increasing pressures from micro-hydropower development, invasive construction, and unmanaged waste disposal, the installation underscores the critical importance of maintaining the river landscape in an unaltered state.
Through its geometric clarity, lightweight materiality, and seamless integration with natural water flows, the Temporary Installation at a Mountain River activates its site without permanently altering the environment. The structure operates as both a spatial intervention and a powerful reminder of the value of ecological preservation. By positioning design as a tool for environmental awareness and community engagement within this fragile mountain landscape, the installation demonstrates how art can advocate for conservation while creating meaningful experiences for visitors.
