Extreme hanging pods create a meditative, light-controlled space for rock climbers

Margot Krasojevic designed an extreme hanging campsite for rock climbers in Massif de L'Esterel, South of France.

This elaborate structure would be partly embedded into the rocks, and partially protrude from the mountainside. It is designed to be held in place by a grid of borehole foundations attached to the rock face. Several spaces in the case glass would protect climbers from the sun's glare, and disperse light and reflections, creating an illusion that the sun is lower than it is and reducing harmful UV rays with a hi-tech prism louver system. This futuristic concept was designed to create a space where climbers can re-group while dangling off the side of a cliff.

The pods, commissioned by Manz Wine Estate Cape Town, were designed with the specific purpose of reducing harmful light wavelengths and controlling and editing visual hallucinations and mirages induced by exhaustion and high altitude. They would provide a self-contained environment and create a meditative space that allows climbers to relax and regroup before continuing the climb.

The structures are designed to be made from carbon fiber-reinforced polymer that is flexible and strong at the same time. The wooden rib walkway, columns and horizontal steel foundations support most of the structure’s weight. The pods are glazed in holographic filtered compound glass and feature a prism louver system.