xu zhifeng intervenes former bomb shelter with submerge installation in shanghai

xu zhifeng intervenes former bomb shelter with submerge installation in shanghai
(above) the installation is a poetic interpretation of the marks left by nature at the location
image © xu zhifeng

xu zhifeng is a shanghai-based architect and artist that explores the theoretical and social experiences of architecture through performance pieces and art exhibitions that intervene urban spaces. ‘submerge’ is an installation located in shanghai within a basement that used to serve as a bomb shelter. today it is an art center that hosts different projects. the piece consists of steel wire, fishing lines, and fluorescent lamps. these simple objects have been arranged around the space in such a way that once the spectators enter the underground space, they has to immediately lower their body because a ‘water surface’, made of transparent lines and metal wires, has been carefully pulled and tightened, following the mysterious water lines printed on the basement’s walls.

entrance to the installation, a basement that used to be a bomb shelter 

the marks left on the walls by the water are approximately at eye level, breaking the space into two halves. this division created the sinking bottom space, or the below water, forcing one to dive in order to have the full experience. within the installation, light fluorescent tubes and haft-transparent electric wires form light sculptures, that hang and are partially submerged in the ‘water’. each room has a different light piece, connecting all four rooms and illuminating the invisible water surface. an audio piece was created in order to accompany the installation, where sounds of water drops hit the floor to complete the experience.

the piece consists of steel wire, fishing lines, and fluorescent lamps
image © xu zhifeng

the marks left on the walls by the water are approximately at eye level
image © xu zhifeng

these watermarks serve as a reference for the wire that is stretched from side to side
image © xu zhifeng

each room has a lighting sculpture slightly different from each other, connecting all four rooms

the division subtle suggests and underwater space

sound installation

the map and GPS coordinates: 31.205250° 121.430980°

the artist at work
image © boat zhang

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edited by: juliana neira | designboom