nituniyo + memosesmas' empty head installation takes part in falles celebration in spain

 
nituniyo + memosesmas’ empty head installation takes part in falles celebration in spain

falles is a traditional celebration held in valencia, spain, in commemoration of saint joseph. each neighbourhood in the city produces a ‘falla’ which is eventually burnt on a large bonfire on the last day of the five day festival. nituniyo and memosesmas were invited by castielfabib to propose an architectural installation which would take part in the religious and cultural event.  

video courtesy of nituniyo

the representation of a large head is a recurring theme in falles, which nituniyo chose as the central proposal for their structure. ‘empty head’ draws upon the basic concept of this human body part, using two distinct elements; face and hair. the hair is formed by pieces of painted cardboard, assembled in order to make the shape of the crown. the lattice texture forms a simple yet elaborate pattern around the installation and allows light to pass through evenly into the interior. 

during certain hours of the day, the cardboard exterior expels a gold shade
image © memosesmas

the project was intended as a collaborative effort, allowing visitors and participants to take part during the celebration. nituniyo and memosesmas provided a hub for people to exchange ideas and thoughts through a series of workshops before the end of the festival. on the last day – which is referred to as the ‘crema’ – young ‘falleros’ watched as the temporary installation was burned to the ground.

hair is formed by punched cardboard pieces
image © milena villalba 

interior lattice
image © nituniyo

visitors took part in workshops during the event
image © milena villalba

the lattice texture forms a simple yet elaborate pattern around the installation
image © memosesmas

the project was intended as a collaborative effort
image © milena villalba

the ‘cremà’
image © memosesmas

inside of the installation

young ‘falleros’ stand proudly with ’emtpy head’
image © memosesmas

axonometry of the set 

plans 

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.

edited by: hollie smith | designboom

Save