ephemeral circle textile installation by atelier VRAC activates mountain river in romania

Atelier VRAC’s circular structure stands on Moașa Sebeșului River

Atelier VRAC’s Temporary Installation at a Mountain River is presented during Făgăraș Fest on the Moașa Sebeșului River, a tributary of the Sebeș River in Romania’s Făgăraș Mountains. The installation consists of a precise circular structure set directly within the riverbed, framing the natural setting through architectural intervention while allowing the water to flow freely beneath. The circle establishes a geometric boundary, forming an outdoor ‘room’ that temporarily redefines 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 lightly brushes against the vegetation on both banks, subtly incorporating the surrounding environment into the installation.

Access to the interior varies according to scale and movement: children pass beneath the fabric with ease, while adults must bend slightly to enter. Within, an angled pontoon is positioned off-center and is only reachable by stepping into the river. This element creates a pause in the flowing environment, offering a distinct moment of 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 is placed at stride-length intervals, encouraging deliberate movement between the festival’s camping area and the riverbank site. At night, the solar light globes provide minimal illumination, ensuring visibility while maintaining a subdued atmosphere.

the installation emerges among the riverbanks | all images by Cristian Bădescu, Zenaida Florea

Water flows freely beneath the Temporary textile Installation

Designed for Făgăraș Fest, organized by the Conservation Carpathia Association, the project by creative studio atelier VRAC reflects the festival’s dual purpose: to advocate for national park protection of the Făgăraș Mountains and to highlight 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, the installation underscores the importance of maintaining the river landscape in an unaltered state.

Through its geometric clarity, lightweight materiality, and integration with natural flows, Temporary Installation at a Mountain River activates its site without altering it. The structure operates as both a spatial intervention and a reminder of the value of ecological preservation, positioning design as a tool for awareness and engagement within a fragile landscape.

the water flows freely beneath the structure

the installation frames a serene river view

a textile canopy forms a light, permeable enclosure

stepping stones encourage a deliberate, mindful passage

children can easily slip under the floating canopy

the pontoon is accessible only by stepping into the river

a moment of stillness and reflection

vegetation gently brushes the fabric

feet meet the surface, stepping into the installation through the water

river’s stones keep the structure grounded

sunlight glimmers beneath the suspended canopy

the installation glows as night falls

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project info:

name: Temporary Installation at a Mountain River
architect: Atelier VRAC | @atelier.vrac

location: Sebeșu de Sus, Romania

design team: Cristian Bădescu, Zenaida Florea

commission: Conservation Carpathia

production & implementation: Hans Scherer, Sebastian Big, Oana Big

photographers: Cristian Bădescu, Zenaida Florea

video: Diana Ioana Bobeș