# Pool Noodle Installations This Art Project Features Thousands of Foam Rods in a Rippling Pattern By David Ingram | Published 2015-10-27 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pool-noodle References: [fastcodesign](http://www.fastcodesign.com/3052736/this-installation-made-from-pool-noodles-brings-out-the-kid-in-all-of-us?partner=rss) & [flickr](https://www.flickr.com/photos/projectione/sets/72157659352465180) This [art installation](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/playful-sculptures) by design firm PROJECTiONE uses approximately 20,000 pool noodles to form a flowing [interactive landscape](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/optical-flow). The 'SoftMatter' art display was created in commemoration of Muncie, Indiana's 100th anniversary celebration. White polyethylene foam rods were custom cut, heat-welded together and precisely placed on top of a plywood platform to form a display with no specific intended function besides encouraging discovery from those around it. The installation features three different zones including a main central path, a nine foot tall climbable tiered area and finally a forest of standing pool noodles. An outdoor stage also faces the installation where people can sit and observe from a distance. The project and its rippling, waterfall-like topography became and instant hit with local children, who immediately began climbing over and exploring the structure. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.5/10 - Popularity: 69% | Activity: 28% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Gen Alpha, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Interactive Art Installations:** Opportunity to create immersive and engaging art experiences that encourage exploration and discovery. - **Customized Foam Design:** Disruptive potential in creating unique foam structures tailored for specific artistic or functional purposes. - **Outdoor Interactive Structures:** Growing demand for outdoor art installations that provide interactive and engaging experiences for the public. ### Who This Affects Most - **Art and Design:** Innovative materials and techniques can be explored to create visually stunning and interactive art installations. - **Event Planning and Entertainment:** Opportunity to incorporate customized foam designs into outdoor events or festivals to enhance the visitor experience. - **Education and Recreation:** Integration of interactive art structures in educational institutions and public parks to promote creativity and play. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Pasta-Inspired Inflatable Pool Noodles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pastainspired-inflatable-pool-noodle.md) - [Monumental Air Installation](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/iwagumi-air-scape.md) - [Inflatable Vibrant Art Installations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/forest-dancer.md) - [Billowing Modular Art Installations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/curly-cube.md) - [Inflatable Molded Collective Seating](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/situation.md) - [Gas Rig Art Installations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/striking-art-installation.md) - [Mesmerizing Fluid Art Installations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/flow-fountain.md) - [Community-Centric Sculptural Installations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/playful-sculptures.md) - [Pasta-Themed Pool Noodles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/olive-garden-pool-noodles.md)