At Clerkenwell Design Week 2025, Harmonic Tides by Mamou-Mani Architects transformed a historic London site into an immersive space of sound and light. The installation, winner of the International Shaping Water competition (organised by Dezeen with Villeroy & Boch and Ideal Standard), reimagines the concept of waves. Rather than focusing on water currents, the design expresses sound frequencies as flowing, three-dimensional forms.

Sustainable Materials and Circular Design

The installation features two undulating walls built from ripple-shaped modules. These panels are 3D printed using sugar-based PLA, a renewable and compostable bioplastic. This material choice demonstrates a commitment to biobased innovation and circular design.

The panels were fabricated locally at Fab.Pub in East London, minimising transportation and reducing carbon emissions. By choosing a modular approach, Mamou-Mani also created a system that allows for reuse and reconfiguration. Some panels in Harmonic Tides have been reused from earlier projects, extending their lifecycle and reducing waste.

This project follows the principles seen in Mamou-Mani’s earlier work Altostrata, a curved shell structure created for Dubai Design Week. Both installations showcase how digital fabrication can support regenerative design practices.

A Multisensory Experience

Harmonic Tides is more than an architectural statement. The installation integrates flowing LED animations and a soundscape inspired by the human body’s natural rhythms. These elements work together to create a calming environment that encourages visitors to slow down and reconnect with their senses.

Visitors walk through two glowing walls, with light and sound creating a space that feels meditative and immersive. The design draws on principles of sound therapy and vibrational healing, exploring how spatial design can impact wellbeing.

Inspiration for Design Professionals

For architects, interior designers, and product designers, Harmonic Tides offers valuable insights. It demonstrates how biobased materials, local fabrication, and modular construction can contribute to more sustainable and circular projects. The focus on reuse and reconfiguration aligns with current trends in regenerative design.

The project also shows how light and sound can enhance spatial experiences. By integrating sensory elements, designers can create spaces that engage the body and mind, offering visitors not just a place, but an emotional and physical experience.

Looking Ahead

As design disciplines increasingly prioritise sustainability and user wellbeing, Harmonic Tides serves as a model for integrating materials, technology, and sensory engagement in a thoughtful and circular way.

Source & photos: Mamou-Mani Architects