michael hansmeyer at gwangju design biennale 2011

zurich-based architect and programmer michael hansmeyer has shared with us images of ‘the sixth order’, his latest project conceived for the gwangju design biennale 2011 in korea. engaging with the main theme of the event — ‘dogadobisando’ (design is design is not design) — the installation does not present a designed object but instead proposes the design of a process to generate objects.

all images courtesy michael hansmeyer

a further exploration of his previous project, ‘the sixth order’ utilizes algorithms and subdivision processes in its formal approach to create unique permutations that manifest themselves as a complex and elaborate system of ornaments. four individual columns were generated from a single process and then constructed from layering 1mm grey board sheets that have been mill or laser cut. while sharing the same constituent process, the columns have not a single surface or motif in common.

for the biennale, two floor-to-ceiling mirrors on adjoining walls were set up to visually multiply the presence of the columns. the layout creates the illusion of sixteen columns, which are symmetrical along a single axis. virtual models intermingle with physical objects, resulting in a surreal sense of space that allows the viewers to perceive the forms from a multitude of perspectives. to see more of hansmeyer’s work, click here for our previous coverage of his ornamented column project.

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