AirDraft

Designed and built by emerging architects, Thomas Randall-Page and Benedetta Rogers, the inflatable theatre repurposes a 19th century historic barge and transforms it into a travelling blow-up venue for music and performance. The inflatable structure allows the theatre to travel under the low bridges and tunnels of London’s canal network then inflate once it has reached its destination. As much as canals changed London, London’s canals have changed, from conduits of industry and cargo to arteries of art, culture and leisure. Through this project we want to reflect upon this change.

The lower of two membranes produces a soft playful landscape for lounging around on, and a second far lighter membrane provides shelter and enclosure.

When the membranes are deflated, the incognito AirDraft has ample clearance under even the lowest canal bridge allowing her to relocate and tour.

Viewed from the towpath AirDraft resembles a curiously overloaded cargo boat complementing and adding to Hoxton Docks’ existing ensemble of playful and artistic structures.

Since completion AirDraft has toured the Regents Canal and played host to countless events and performances from experimental opera to performance art, live bands to improvised electronica, and most recently it was converted into a temporary cinema for London Short Film Festival.