Aether is a conceptual interactive pavilion that hovers above the Grand River, cantilevering off of the embankment. Its name recalls the classical element that was once thought to fill the void of space. The pavilion is made of steel and polyester fiber, suspended and appearing light as air. The mirrored surface mounted on the wall reflects the pavilion’s half oval space horizontally to create a full internal experience, while the water below reflects it vertically to extend its ethereal exterior.

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Visitors are invited to physically explore and interact with the pavilion, descending to the river surface through five layers of translucent nets. The experience will be a metaphor for a journey through the atmosphere – their surroundings reflected to infinity, their footsteps buoyant, and their destinations coming to sight as they pass through layers of clouds.