instead of limestone caves, shin jung-yeon collects urban stalactites from city buildings

Shin Jung-yeon introduces a collection of urban stalactites following a process of research, appreciation, and attachment for each piece found. The stalactites grown in buildings may look more diverse than those grown in a cave in nature due to various factors such as paint, pipes, and construction materials. ‘The city emerges as a field of treasure-hunting that has not yet been explored from the perspective of urban-speleothem,’ the artist explains.

large collection of diverse urban stalactites

all images courtesy of Shin Jung Yeon

urban-stalactites EMERGING FROM CITY BUILDINGS

Calthemite is a secondary deposit derived from concrete, lime, mortar, or other calcium materials. Calthemite deposits usually grow in places such as old buildings and underground parking lots. These ‘urban stalactites’, as Shin Jung-yeon has named them, are a by-product of human activity and are very similar to naturally occurring stalactites in limestone caves. According to the artist, ‘the way people treat the two is completely different. In many cases, urban stalactites are not even noticed to exist.’ The project doesn’t convey any direct intention, but it opens the possibility of noticing things that have been overlooked in their existing context by discovering strange and beautiful objects in places where people live.

On the video above, Shin Jung-yeon presents archive footage of the process of ‘hunting’ (or ‘damaging’) Urban-stalactite from its original location, as well as conversations with residents during the process. These objects appear as an architectural by-product to the audience, including the residents of the collection site. Urban-stalactite is subject to collection, research, attachment, and appreciation, like stalactites in limestone caves. By displaying the city’s stalactites, the artist presents the experiences that have the potential to create various views on materials and humans. The project is currently underway with the aim of working in more diverse cities and regions.

urban stalactites are similar in shape, composition, and production process to natural stalactites

samples of urban stalactites

diverse collection of stalactites

all stalactites are serial numbered and sampled according to location and time

a sample similar to stalagmites that is difficult to distinguish from rocks with stratum

artificial impurities such as vinyl and plastic are found in the stratum of the urban-stalagmite

red and yellow hues are shown when the main component calcium carbonate is mixed with impurities such as iron

urban stalactites grow gradually as rainwater or water leaking from water pipes reacts with concrete

urban stalactites growing on the ceiling of an old building

project info:

name: Project Stalactite
designer:  shin jung yeon

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: zaha mango | designboom