Ben van Berkel: "The Thing" in Frankfurt/Main, Germany

Currently, there's an interesting installation in Frankfurt/Germany by renowned dutch architect Ben van Berkel and various other artists, working together in a project group called "Space of Communication". Ben van Berkel designed the new Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart, Germany.

The Thing: Ben van Berkel (1)

Cited from the press release:

The architectural installation, entitled "The Thing", is designed by Städelschule professor for architecture Ben van Berkel together with professor Johan Bettum and Luis Etchegorry. The Frankfurt-based design-groups MESO Web Scapes and MESO Digital Interiors have developed a projection work that elaborates on the installation by dynamically embellishing it with moving images and thereby activating its surfaces. The projection work, "On Things Off Things On", is a case study in augmented architecture. It is an attempt to create a reactive surface of extraordinary spatial complexity.

The Thing: Ben van Berkel (2)

The installation, "The Thing", consists of an upper and a lower level. The upper level serves as a form of theatre and the lower level as a more traditional exhibition space. The two levels are separated by a volumetric surface which is perforated by open holes. These holes serve to connect the two areas visually and audibly. On the lower level, the exhibition presents a group of works by artists and architects who have participated in the one-year long experimental project, entitled "the Space of Communication", a project by the Städelschule Architecture Class (SAC).

The Thing: Ben van Berkel (3)

The Portikus is an exhibition hall for contemporary art in Frankfurt am Main. The building was designed by Frankfurt architect Christoph Mäckler. (Hey, this urban item is still missing. Who wants to add it?) The Portikus is located on a small island in the river Main at the very centre of the city.

The Portikus