Soft Spot

London-based art and architectural practice it’s a local collective, in collaboration with textile artist Yu-Mei Huang, unveils Soft Spot — a modular, interactive social furniture at the the seventh edition of the biennial architecture exhibition Time Space Existence organised by the European Cultural Centre (ECC) in Venice. Combining innovative knitted fabric with breathable limecrete, Soft Spot invites visitors to rest, gather, and customise their own soft landscapes, fostering connection and well-being in public spaces.

Soft Spot presents a social furniture in the form of cushioned steps embedded with earthen casts. The design offers a soft, adaptable canvas where users can rest, hug, gather, and explore their own ways of inhabitation to fulfil various social needs. This interactive experience is complemented by the earthen casts which serve as playful, versatile objects–such as tables, plinths, and vases–welcoming personal customisation and connection.

Soft Spot tells the story of two key materials: limecrete and knitted fabric. Reversing the traditional approach of placing soft fabric over hard materials, Soft Spot embeds the hard into the soft. This distinctive pairing celebrates the breathable, hygroscopic qualities of limecrete, which enhances our well-being in public spaces by buffering moisture and absorbing carbon dioxide, while the soft cushioning and tactile nature of knitted fabric provide comfort and intimacy. Together, these materials invite us to reimagine public furniture that not only adapts to diverse social needs but also enhances our sense of belonging in shared spaces.

The assembly of Soft Spot uses stackable cushions and removable casts. Without the use of nails or permanent fixtures, the social furniture can be easily disassembled and relocated, minimising waste. Its modular design welcomes various customisations for different moods and spaces. This design offers a sustainable approach, both in terms of materiality and construction, to exhibition and public installations.

Soft Spot will be exhibited at the biennial architecture exhibition Time Space Existence in Venice from 10 May - 23 November 2025.

Architects: Local Collective

Photographer: Ellen Christina Hancock