handegård arkitektur realizes reflective roadside landmark in norway

handegård arkitektur realizes reflective roadside landmark in norway
all images courtesy of handegård arkitektur

venice architecture biennale 2016. in the norwegian town of askim, local studio handegård arkitektur has realized a roadside landmark that spans nearly 6 storeys above passing pedestrians and cars. made from more than 2,500 aluminum tubes, ‘e-motion’ forms an undulating wave of reflective material that echoes views of the surrounding landscape. at the end of each pipe, colored discs of varying hues creates a surface that, when viewed from a distance, relays a sense of movement. since the tube lengths vary, the effect forms a spacial flux that changes with the perspective and position of the viewer.

the installation is placed on a rocky cliff adjacent to the roadway

placed on a rocky cliff adjacent to the roadway — a natural element which serves as its foundation — the installation ‘grows’ out of the countryside. its bold and dynamic relationship to the surrounding terrain creates an interplay between materiality and scale.

the experience varies depending on the sun’s position, the weather, the season, and the viewer’s vantage point — whether they are driving past or walking on the trail below. by car, the installation appears as a two-dimensional object until one passes it, revealing a 10 meter length of undulating aluminum material. this optical trick and forced illusion of movement creates a sense of curiosity and wonderment that can only be understood if experienced from multiple angles.

‘e-motion’ is presented as part of the nordic participation at the venice architecture biennale 2016.

the landmark is sited in the norwegian town of askim

the roadside landmark spans 6 storeys above passing pedestrians and cars

‘e-motion’ comprises more than 2,500 aluminum tubes 

the experience varies depending on the sun’s position, the weather, and the season

the installation bears a bold and dynamic relationship to the surrounding terrain

a sense of movement is reflected by colored disks placed a the end of each pole 

the viewer’s vantage point affects the experience, whether they are driving past or walking on the trail below

the forced illusion of movement creates a sense of curiosity and wonderment

‘e-motion’ is presented as part of the nordic participation at the venice architecture biennale 2016

project info:

typology: installation
year: 2014
size: 17mx10m. 5km aluminum tubes
cooperation: fireco, cowi, hpc, netron (photos and movie)
client: askim municipality