krista jahnke's rural 'hybrids' merge traditional + contemporary architecture

‘hybrids’ is vancouver based photographer krista jahnke’s most recent photo series depicting local and international architecture combined and reorganized into remote landscapes. the series merges iconic modern, postmodern, contemporary and traditional examples of architecture into dynamic fictional compositions creating surreal moments of quiet monumentalism.

(main) ‘hybrid n°2 – brutal sci-fi’
(above) ‘hybrid n°1 – monumental postmodern culture’

each collage is superimposed onto a rural landscape photographed during krista jahnke’s travels across the backroads of canada, the US and europe. the openness of the wide horizon lines allows each artificial construction to play with scale, furthering the idea of architecture as a method of control or wonder. by modifying and marrying various architectural styles, jahnke designs unusual spaces that alter the perception of the original architecture’s function by placing it in a new context where the structure creates a contrasting relationship with the topography.

‘hybrid n°3 – deserted ghost island’

each photograph is loosely based on a theme; whether it’s a collection of similar types of architecture — such as government buildings with churches — or repetitive architectural elements — as in the distinctly modern triangular pitched roofs. the new geometric forms convey an otherworldly atmosphere. the hybridization of styles speaks to the role globalization plays in architecture as a consumable product within society, drawing attention to concepts behind design as methods of expression, as indicators of social change and as mirrors through which we see ourselves.

‘hybrid n°4 – another brick in the wall’ 

‘hybrid n°5 – modern desert relics’

‘hybrid n°6 – church and state insectitecture’ 

‘hybrid n°7 – close encounters of the architectural kind’

‘hybrid n°8 – factory geometries’

‘hybrid n°9 – post diluvian livin’

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