# Inflatable Modular Pavilions Renaissance of the Real by Snøhetta and USM Explores Sensory Space By Amy Duong | Published 2026-04-22 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/snhetta-and-usm References: [designboom](https://www.designboom.com/design/oozing-inflatables-modular-milan-installation-usm-snohetta/) & [instagram](https://www.instagram.com/annabellesbubble/)  Renaissance of the Real is a large-scale installation created by Snøhetta in collaboration with [USM Modular](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ben-ganz) Furniture by Annabelle Schneider for Milan Design Week 2026. It is continued from her 'Breathin Bubbles' project. Built using the USM Haller system as a structural grid, the installation forms an open framework that leads into a [soft, enclosed interior](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/enfold) made from inflatable membrane material. The exterior presents a rigid modular skeleton, while the interior shifts into a malleable, cocoon-like space that responds to light and movement. Visitors move from the garden into the structure through a sequence of spaces designed to alter perception and attention. Inside, curved surfaces, diffused light, and ambient sound create a controlled environment that contrasts with the surrounding event. [Modular seating and floor elements](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/in-the-assembly-of-lovers) are arranged within the space, supporting flexible use while maintaining the installation’s fluid layout. The project uses the contrast between steel structure and soft membrane to frame an experience centered on physical presence rather than visual output. Image Credit: USM, Annabelle Schneider, [designboom](https://www.designboom.com/design/oozing-inflatables-modular-milan-installation-usm-snohetta/), [instagram](https://www.instagram.com/annabellesbubble/) ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 7.0/10 - Popularity: 77% | Activity: 62% | Freshness: 72% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Hybrid Rigid-soft Architecture:** The fusion of steel frameworks with inflatable membranes suggests new typologies of buildings that shift structural permanence and interior softness to create reconfigurable occupancy patterns. - **Sensory-calibrated Environments:** Controlled light, sound, and tactile surfaces point toward environments designed to modulate attention and physiological responses for tailored human experiences. - **Modular Inflatable Structures:** Inflatable components integrated into modular grids indicate scalable, lightweight assemblies that enable rapid deployment and adaptable spatial sequences. ### Who This Affects Most - **Event and Exhibition Design:** Temporary pavilions and trade-show environments could leverage inflatable-modular hybrids to create immersive, transportable venues that transform visitor journeys. - **Healthcare and Therapeutic Spaces:** Clinical and wellness settings may benefit from softly enclosed, sensorily tuned chambers that support calming, private, and reconfigurable therapeutic interventions. - **Furniture and Modular Systems:** Modular furniture manufacturers could incorporate pneumatic membranes and structural frames to offer adaptable seating and partition systems that change form and function. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Immersive Design Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/paulin-paulin-paulin-1.md) - [Heritage Watch Relaunches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/universal-genve-1.md) - [Split-Toe Archive Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tabi-collectors-exhibition.md) - [In-Store Live Acoustic Performances](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/live-acoustic-performances.md) - [Body-On-Frame Off-Roaders](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-boulder-concept.md) - [Immersive Art Installations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/satellites-ii.md) - [Multimedia Agriculture Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dash-exhibition.md) - [Multimedia Art Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/perfect-nonsense-1.md) - [Bold Lucky Dragon Installations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lucky-dragon.md)