Visual description: A partial scale model in wood and cardstock is finished by a 3D line drawing, the model-drawing is of a temporary street furniture.
sittingHIDDENsitting
2011 // AARHUS FESTIVAL, AARHUS [DK]
A spiral; a simple structure, a line curved around itself, inclosing a space while opening up to another. Inherent in the spiral is difference, the possibilities for a multitude of space, of spatial experiences. Following the line brings you to the center of the structure and out again, without backtracking your path, moving through the various spatial conditions. These spaces have their own character, they emphasize different qualities and call upon you in different moods and mindsets throughout the day.
I am curious about how we sit in the public space - to sit; to sit alone, to sit together. This is an investigation into the act of sitting. The steps are made intentionally deep, to give the user the possibility of sitting out on the edge, calm while others can walk by your back or sit deep in against the backrest feet up, or perpendicular to the backrest, cross-legged.
The ‘outer’ ring consists of three half-meter steps, facing the square, encouraging interaction, of an active or passive nature; at times it even acted as a spectator stands. Climbing into the structure the highest step vanishes in the transition from outside to inside while keeping the high of the backrest. Here the atmosphere is more calm, and intimate, a group can have a discussion, you can lean back and admire the beautiful old cathedral or you can bring that special one and vanish in each other's eyes.
The structure is more like a construction of a house - wall, ledge, balcony, facade - than a piece of furniture. Six standard types of sandwich elements, made from small timber, were mass-produced as the load-bearing structure. These elements bring forth the beauty of the structure, they are easy to read as structure, to decode how they work. They seem both heavy and sturdy but also light and flexible. These elements are covered by a ‘facade’ of wooden lamellas. The play of these, dissolves the mass of the structure, adding transparency to it. Illuminated, the gaps let light transcend the structure, highlighting and hiding it. This makes for an almost floating structure.
Visual description: A photo from the square taken low, in the center of the photo is the temporary architectural street furniture inhabited by multiple people mostly in groups, some are sitting, others laying down, and some are standing. At the front right of the photo the back of a woman observing the furniture is visible. In the background of the street furniture are buildings and bove a light blue sky with some very light clouds.
Visual description: Plan drawing of showing the spiral movement of the structure
Visual description: Photo of the interior intimate space at the “empty” center of the spiral. A groupe of six people are sitting together talking, with two others sitting next to them.
Visual description: A photo of a dance performance in the square. Six dancers in light green onesis are performing. Centered in the back is sittingHIDDENsitting where the audience are seated in three levels.
Visual discription: A photo montage showing the used of the street furniture throughout a day at the festival.
