numen/for use constructs an inhabitable, centipede-shaped 'tube' in cologne

within the the carlswerk building in cologne, design collective numen/for use has constructed an immersive, tensile object made from stitched safety nets. mimicking the silhouette of a giant centipede, ‘tube cologne’ is an oversized, inhabitable artwork which visitors can enter and walk through. an intricate network of webbed fabric is tethered to the gallery’s floor and ceiling by a labyrinth of synthetic ropes, which keep it structurally stable. this dispersed support allows for an even distribution of forces as it transcends the architectural void, causing the surreal sensation of ‘free-floating’ for the person inside.

‘tube cologne’ is the most extensive and expressive installation by numen/for use to date. the upper sections of the structure — made from a flat net surface — feature larger spaces for visitors to walk through; the lower part of the installation — fashioned from net hose — comprises narrower tunnels to enter and exit between. the two segments seamlessly merge into each other towards the inner spiral of the structure, prompting visitors to the olympus perspective playground at carlswerk to experience and activate the sculpture.