Arata Isozaki and Anish Kapoor design giant inflatable concert hall for Japan

A huge mobile concert hall will host free concerts in areas of Japan devastated by the earthquake and tsunami which hit earlier this year, the result of an innovative initiative between Kajimoto music and the Swiss Lucerne music festival.

The lightweight inflatable structure has been designed by the Japanese architect Arata Isozaki in collaboration with Anish Kapoor. Indeed, the simple, curved shape of the structure and use of a bright monochrome colour is characteristic of Kapoor’s striking sculptures. Made of an elastic material, 'Ark Nova' can be easily dismantled and built-up again as it moves from location to location around the worst hit regions, particularly in the Higashi-Nihon area.

The hall will have a capacity of between 500-700 and the programme will be varied with a broad spectrum of performances, including jazz, dance, classical music, multimedia and interdisciplinary projects. The first performances will take place in May/June 2012.

Follow the link to designboom.com for more images of the 'Art Nova' project.