atelier vecteur carves an oscillating timber tunnel through nantes, france

an antidote to the scaffolds of steel and plastic that line the city streets, french studio atelier vecteur has constructed an oscillating timber tunnel in nantes to protect pedestrians from a nearby construction site. made from a single similar section of wood, the pavilion creates a dynamic landscape, interspersed with moments of pause and light, that guides city goers safely past the site. 

the installation frames the street and the construction site that it protects

the installation was realized as part of the festival voyage à nantes, a celebration of the city’s history and culture that manifests in a variety of events, installations, happenings and performances. atelier vecteur takes an essential part of city life — the scaffold tunnel — and effectively turns it into a living breathing art piece. ‘the wooden installation attracts the passer-by to enter and leave on a trip’, explains the studio. ‘the journey carries the visitor along the route.’

an antidote to the scaffolds of steel and plastic that line the city streets

green spaces are integrated into the journey of the piece, alongside benches and alcoves that allow visitors moments of reflection. careful arrangement of the myriad wooden slats has resulted in a single churning vortex, a peaceful portal that connects and intersects the city’s streets, becoming a vital — if temporary — addition to the natural geography of nantes.  

the installation was realized as part of the festival voyage à nantes

green spaces are integrated into the journey of the piece…

…alongside benches and alcoves that allow visitors moments of reflection 

careful arrangement of the myriad wooden slats has resulted in a single churning vortex, a peaceful portal 

the course is adapted to the street, it changes as the path progresses 

the succession of wooden frames is punctuated by air, like the bellows of an accordion

the frames create a peaceful, multi-sensory experience

made from a single similar section of wood, the tunnel creates a dynamic landscape

the intervention appeals to all the senses: touch, sight, smell and sound

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: peter corboy | designboom

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