Line, Surface, Space

On the occasion of the Architectural Triennale in Hamburg in the summer of 2012, Kawahara Krause Architects display an installation that plays with the perception of space. A fragile structure of threads stretching from floor to ceiling seems to dissolve in space and recompose to ever new appearances. Varying between transparent and closed surfaces, the spatial perception changes with each step taken through the installation. "Line, surface, space" is erected on the plan of three interlocking twisted squares of different sizes. While the threads of the outer square suggest the edges of an imaginary space, the more densely arranged threads towards the middle seem to create surfaces. Ordinary threads evolve into lines in space that create surfaces which seem to comprise spaces. Lines and surfaces overlap in various constellations in space. Thus a fragile structure evolves on the plan of the three squares that constantly changes its appearance on approaching, walking around or through it, creating ever new impressions. Our perception of architecture is affected by the physical experience of the relation of one's body to its surroundings and the image that our brain produces from the sensual impressions. The installation strives to make visitors aware of this relation by playfully questioning the basic geometric principles of architecture. It blurs the thresholds between line, surface and space. It offers a new perception of these three ideas and a new understanding of how much needs to be defined in order to make them perceivable. Impressions when moving through the installation are complex; the ambiguous overlapping of the threads - as single elements hardly visible - seems to make the space even more perceivable though. Financial restrictions encourage KAWAHARA KRAUSE ARCHITECTS to question essential principles that are usually taken for granted and see them as opportunities to develop a new architecture. In the installation "line, surface, space" new spatial experiences are created by providing ordinary woollen threads with a new use. By simple measures, a clear plan and easily available materials create a complex spatial situation. All materials used - threads, paper profiles and screws to fix threads to ceiling and floor - have a minimal, energy saving freight weight and can easily be recycled or reused. The Japanese artist Noboku Watabiki, who normally paints large abstract forms in strong colours onto paper or canvas, painted some of the threads, so that colourful areas materialize on the surfaces by the interaction of the threads. Painted areas overlap and keep on changing their composition as one progresses through the installation. The colourful paintings add a further layer to the spatial construction, affecting transparency and perception of the surfaces. Depending on the point of view, colours glow vividly on the surfaces or dematerialise the threads even further. In the cooperation of the architects with the artist, borders of line, surface and space dissolve as well as the border between art and architecture.