We inhabit architecture, make it our own, but it’s importance in our daily lives is often underestimated. Now a new exhibition at the Royal Academy of Arts seeks to challenge the traditional architecture exhibition by situating viewers in space they experience with all their senses.
The exhibition presents work by seven architects, who’s cultural and geographical differences contribute to their distinct practices. Each architect interacts with the existing structures within Burlington House to create a unique experience within each room.
One intervention that stood out was the work of Kengo Kuma, who has demonstrated that architecture’s impact is not restricted to sight and touch. Kuma has created two bamboo installations, lit only by spot lights on the floor, the results are ethereal, delicate structures. This work was inspired by Ko-Do, the Japanese smell ceremony, and fills the room will the scent of bamboo.
Diébédo Francis Kéré creates work which invites the viewers to physically interact with it. His tunnel invites the public to use plastic straws to add their own element to the work for future users to change and interact with. In this way the architect has set out the format or conditions for the work, and the user changes it and determines their own environment. The room is pure fun.
Both Li Xiaodong and Grafton Architects use light in their work. Xiaodong has created a labyrinth for the viewers to explore, whilst Grafton Architects has created two very simple but powerful rooms. One is bathed with a white, natural, light; the other is dark and filled with hanging blocks creating a hole within the ceiling, through which a dim light can shine. This light subtlety changes intensity at various points, illuminating the centre and changing the colour of the room from one grey to another. Grafton Architects have created a feeling of hushed silence, like that within a library. The impact this has is subtle but powerful, an architectural whisper.
This exhibition is a unique experience, one that has the potential to open people to the powerful nature of architecture and what it can achieve. This is not just for architecture enthusiasts, this exhibition is for anyone wishing to engage all their senses and experience an exhibition, not just view it. After this, you’ll never feel or look at a space in the same way again.
Sensing Spaces: Architecture Reimagined runs until 6th April at the Royal Academy of Arts, Burlington House, Piccadilly, London W1J 0BD
Tickets for ‘Sensing Spaces’ can be bought daily at the RA or from www.royalacademy.org.uk.
Tickets are £14 full price, concessions are available.
Viewers are encouraged to take photographs to record their experiences within the exhibition.
The post Sensing Spaces: Architecture Reimagined appeared first on HUNGER TV.