christian tonko slopes camera lucida studio for artist's creations

christian tonko slopes camera lucida studio for artist’s creations
photo © eduard hueber
all images courtesy of christian tonko

the latin term ‘camera’ creates connotations to ‘chamber’ as well as to the ancient photographic device. aptly named ‘camera lucida’, christian tonko has constructed a studio for an artist working in classic analogue media that incorporates both meanings. it is a bright structure – carefully constructed to achieve optimum light conditions which can be modulated to desired levels – and at the same time a picture and sculpture producing machine.

the large single pane glazing is oriented to the northwest
photo © eduard hueber

the semi-industrial character of the project stems from the reference to the typology of the shed roof factory. here, this classification is reduced to its simplest case – a single box with a single skylight. the exterior reinforces this idea through the use of raw and untreated materials. the façade panels are made from weathering steel while the interior surfaces are made from concrete, steel, and oak.

the lower level is for painting and sculpture
photo © eduard hueber

bronze sculptures suspended in front of the glass serve as motive of artistic self-reflection
photo © eduard hueber

on a tectonic level, the volume carefully responds to site conditions as it is derived by negotiating plot boundaries, the existing residential building, height restriction and the hillside situation. the single space has two main openings: one facing south and one facing north. to the south, a system of different exterior screens is deployed, which enables the modulation of light conditions inside. the flexibility of this feature complements the two separate levels which serve different functions. the top level is designed to be a workplace, where most of the sketches and small water colors are done, while the lower level larger is where canvases and medium-sized sculptures are produced. to the north, a series of frames is installed, which allows bronze pieces to be suspended in front of the glass and in direct sight of the resident at work. in this location, they receive their natural patina, while being staged as a motive of reflection and confrontation for the artist. 

the studio receives a great amount of daylight through the tilted glazing facing southeast
photo © eduard hueber

a toilet and a sink are fitted into the staircase
photo © eduard hueber

the building frames the surrounding landscape
photo © eduard hueber

the workplace for drawing and small watercolors
photo © eduard hueber

entrance to the studio
photo © eduard hueber

to the southwest, the building opens towards the neighboring residential building
photo © eduard hueber

to the northeast, the building clad in weathering steel appears abstract
photo © eduard hueber

the building overlooking part of the lower rhine valley
photo © eduard hueber

1/8

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.