ESKYIU designs ephemera arcade for swire properties at art basel hong kong

ESKYIU designs ephemera arcade for swire properties at art basel hong kong
all images © vincent tsang & inga beckmann/swire properties

‘ephemera’ provides multiple ways of inhabiting space, oscillating between clarity and complexity as spectators move in, around, and through the piece. the work is an art installation and lounge designed by eric schuldenfrei and marisa yiu–founding partners of architecture studio ESKYIU–for swire properties at art basel hong kong. the duo was influenced by the work of walter benjamin, a cultural critic and writer whose words touched on the parisian arcades constructed in the early 19th century. benjamin linked the public arcades to the city’s identity, interpreting iron and glass structures as the quintessential habitat for observers of modern urban life.

opening event of ‘ephemera’ at art basel hong kong 2015

furthering this idea, ESKYIU created a series of rich and dynamic abstract contemporary arcades. the space was enlivened by events and lectures that brought a myriad of visitors and patrons of the art basel hong kong annual international art fair. molded plywood strips were carefully engineered to form 52 unique archways that reach just over 4.4 meters in height. designed as a set of spatial relationships, fixed perspectival views were precisely aligned to create the underly geometry. 

interplay of movement and activities by spectators is further enriched by an interactive component that exists in a constant state of fluctuation. visitors were invited to create works of their own by capturing their motions, which were recorded as unique ‘ephemera’–collectible items of fleeting moments within the physical installation’s environment. 

installation

echoing swire properties’ belief in creating communities of lasting value with creativity and innovation, guest speakers were invited to guide visitors through talks promoting original thoughts and connections. swire also collaborated with liberatum to produce the short film ‘artistry and technology’, which promotes dialogues within the art and tech world. the lounge space also hosted several cocktail events, cultural speeches including film screenings and talks on the future of art culture, digital design, and craft. 

over 52 unique archways were created

each arch reaches over 4.4 meters high 

‘ephemera’ was influenced by the works of walter benjamin

benches within the space

the lounge hosted a plethora of other events throughout art basel

swire properties collaborated with liberatum to produce the short film ‘artistry and technology’ 

guest speakers were invited to guide visitors by means of promoting original thoughts and connections

visitors were invited to create works of their own by capturing their motions, recorded as ‘ephemera’

detail of woodwork

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