a thousand 3D printed pieces shape atelier DARN's RHUBARB sculpture

rhubarb by atelier darn awarded public prize winner at FAV 2024

The 2024 edition of Festival des Architectures Vives presents its public prize winner, RHUBARB, a spectator-driven installation by Atelier DARN, merging architecture, sports, and environmental consciousness. Built in the courtyard of the 18th-century historical monument, Hôtel d’Aurès, in Montpellier, France, the project holds 1,000 pieces of 3D-printed elements made of eco-friendly PET filaments, varying in size and color to reference the hues found in Montpellier and the courtyard, symbolizing human diversity and inclusivity. More than that, the installation embraces the festival’s ethos of revitalizing dormant spaces and stimulating collective imagination by deeply engaging its audience. Its meaningful design received heartwarming interest from all age groups, making it the winner of the Public Prize, with an exceptional number of votes.

image © photoarchitecture.com

an interactive installation inspired by the Olympics

Inspired by the rhythm and evolution of the Olympics, where the audience remains a constant amidst changing sports, teams, and themes since ancient times, RHUBARB celebrates the active role of spectators at the Festival des Architectures Vives (see more here). Upon entering the pavilion, visitors become the art, while the pavilion itself acts as a spectator, mirroring and reflecting their movements in the courtyard. As Atelier DARN (see more here) explains, the word ‘Rhubarb’ refers to the ambient background noise on a film set that completes the scene, mirroring the subtle yet vital nature of the audience’s collective voice.

image © Alexandre Carpentier

turning movement into a symphony of audio experiences

In that sense, the installation by Atelier DARN incorporates elements of a sound and kinetic sculpture, transforming the viewer’s movements into a symphony of audio experiences with captivating light displays. Interaction can be as simple as pushing, touching, or grazing hands over the pieces, creating wind, and more. Participants are encouraged to step inside the artwork, becoming the centre through its curved form. RHUBARB’s placement within the courtyard also ensures a symbiotic relationship with natural light sources. As sunlight filters through different configurations, shadows dance upon the stage, emphasizing the piece’s ephemeral nature.

image © Atelier DARN

atelier darn’s sustainable 3D printing design for rhubarb

In the pursuit of environmental responsibility, Atelier DARN explores sustainable production methods through three distinct types of 3D-printed materials: handcrafted PET filament, created from home waste PET bottles; industrial base filament Ultrafuse®️ rPET by BASF Forward AM, recycled from post-industrial PET waste; and a unique plant-based material by NOVINOV, made of miscanthus with biodegradable properties. In its essence, RHUBARB highlights the transformative potential of sustainable and interactive design, showcasing the potential of eco-conscious practices within the industry.

image © photoarchitecture.com