At Fira de Barcelona, a simple walkway became a focal point for innovation. In a unique collaboration with Barcelona-based, Instronic, and Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) unveiled BREATHE, a temporary immersive installation designed for ISE 2026. The project transformed a 262-foot (80-meter) enclosed walkway connecting Hall 7 and Hall 8.1 from a purely functional corridor into a calming, atmospheric experience, demonstrating how integrated technology can redefine transitional spaces.
The core objective was to introduce a deliberate counterpoint to the high-energy environment of the trade show floor. Instead of using technology for spectacle, BREATHE leveraged it as a medium for creating a sense of presence and calm. The installation was engineered to engage visitors without interrupting their movement, turning a passive journey into an active perceptual experience.
Courtesy / Instronic
A Journey of Light, Sound and Architecture
As visitors moved along the existing travelator, BREATHE orchestrated a symphony of architecture, light, sound and digital media. The entire experience was designed to emulate a single, monumental breath: a slow inhale, a moment of expansion and a gradual exhale.
- Synchronized Visuals: Rhythmic lighting patterns flowed through the space, guiding visitors and creating a sense of gentle movement.
- Spatialized Audio: A carefully designed soundscape filled the walkway, enhancing the visual cues and immersing attendees in the “breathing” cycle of the installation.
This cohesive system transformed the act of circulation into a memorable journey. Beyond its atmospheric goals, the project served a practical purpose by activating the route toward Hall 8, improving visitor orientation and encouraging foot traffic to all areas of the event.
Courtesy / Instronic
Engineering an Experience Within Constraints
Creating an immersive installation within a high-traffic public space presented significant technical and logistical challenges. The walkway also functions as a critical evacuation route, meaning the design had to adhere to rigorous safety and operational requirements.
The team at Instronic utilized a parametric design logic where these constraints became generative inputs. Key considerations included:
- Safety Clearances: The structure was shaped to ensure unobstructed passage at all times.
- Fire-resistant Materials: All components met rigorous fire safety standards required for public venues.
- Structural Integrity: The installation was engineered to be self-supporting without compromising the existing walkway infrastructure.
To manage these complexities under a compressed production schedule, the team created a full digital twin of the walkway. This virtual model enabled precise previsualization, calibration and testing before any physical components were installed on-site. A unified control pipeline synchronized all lighting, sound and content in real time, allowing the entire space to operate as a single, cohesive environment.
Courtesy / Instronic
The Future of Experiential Spaces
Unveiled in February 2026, BREATHE offers a clear and powerful demonstration of how transitional spaces can be reimagined as meaningful spatial touchpoints. For venue operators, brands and property owners, the project highlights the significant potential of integrated experiential design. By activating circulation routes, these installations can strengthen a venue’s spatial identity and create lasting impressions on visitors without disrupting core functionality.
The success of the project reinforces a growing trend in environmental design: using technology to shape perception and enrich human experience. As Mike Blackman, managing director at ISE noted, “BREATHE demonstrated how integrated technology can shape perception and transform space. It turned a moment of transit into a moment of presence.”
The installation proves that even the most mundane areas of a building — hallways, lobbies and walkways — hold the potential to become powerful platforms for engagement. As the lines between physical and digital experiences continue to blur, projects like BREATHE provide a blueprint for creating environments that are not just functional, but truly memorable.
