Stand and Build
a fabrication + design studio
Fendi Solar Dream Kinetic Window Activation NYC
Completed: 2022
Location: New York, NY
Project Type: Electrical prototyping, mechanical engineering, custom kinetic mechanism design, Arduino programming & automation, sculptural fabrication, custom fabric upholstery & tensioning, overnight retail installation
In collaboration with Italian luxury fashion house Fendi, Stand and Build engineered and fabricated an interactive kinetic window activation for their global Solar Dream campaign in New York City. Staged within the brand's flagship storefront facade, the installation paired luxury visual merchandising with precision physical animation to create a dynamic, motion-driven streetscape experience.
Prototyped, fabricated and tested in our Long Island City studio, the activation centered on sculptural cloud forms engineered for continuous, fluid mechanical articulation. Our shop developed internal drive mechanisms powered by servo motors and programmed via synchronized Arduino microcontrollers to achieve organic, wave-like movement cycles. We framed the multi-layered cloud forms using lightweight CNC-machined armatures wrapped and tailored in custom upholstery fabrics, pairing soft textile surfaces with concealed perimeter backlighting to enhance depth and shadow throughout the kinetic cycle.
Because the drive systems were designed for uninterrupted operation, our team conducted rigorous bench endurance and load testing inside our Queens facility prior to deployment. Stand and Build managed all logistics and completed the mechanical rigging, electrical tie-ins, and motion synchronization overnight, delivering a fully operational storefront activation.