matali crasset's 'cielo oscuro' installation at concéntrico 08 evokes an owl-like presence

‘dark sky / cielo oscuro’ by matali crasset at concéntrico 08 

French industrial designer Matali Crasset enlivens the Paseo del Espolón park in Logroño, Spain, with her ‘Dark Sky / Cielo Oscuro’ installation. Exhibited as part of the Concéntrico 08 festival, the structure evokes the landing of an owl in the middle of the city. ‘On the one hand, as a totem, she symbolically guides us to see beyond the veil of deception and illusion and helps us uncover what is usually kept hidden. But, on the other hand, she sees in the dark,’ writes Crasset about her design. 

Specifically, the installation comprises a yellow metal framework complete with curved contours and wooden cladding that recall the presence of the nocturnal bird transforming the public space between day and night. 

images © Josema Cutillas unless stated otherwise

an owl-like presence transforming between day and night

Matali Crasset (see more here) placed her ‘Dark Sky / Cielo Oscuro’ work in front of the Concha del Espolón, an auditorium-like kiosk from 1954. Together, the installation and kiosk dialogue in gentle contrast, complementing one another in form and scale. 

Speaking of transformation, the owl-like structure emanates a motherly presence during the day, inviting passersby to explore its three-part design: a double tunnel echoing the beak of an owl where children are invited to enter and play; a double inclined plane where one can rest on and lie down; and finally, a visor-like section at the back through which people can enjoy vistas of the surrounding cityscape. 

When night falls, ‘the owl wakes up, and its eyes light up, inviting passers-by to settle down on its sloping surface to gaze at the stars. A work that appeals to the senses and reaffirms that the sky is above all a space of imagination and freedom where everything is in eternal movement,’ shares Concéntrico 08. The International Architecture and Design Festival will run from September 1 to September 6, 2022.

image © designboom

image © designboom

Matali Crasset | image © designboom

concéntrico is the international architecture and design festival of logroño, spain, that proposes to reflect on the urban environment and the city. founded by architect, curator and researcher javier peña ibáñez, the festival invites visitors to explore the city through installations, encounters, activities, and exhibitions that discuss public space and places of coexistence with a focus on the sustainability of materials and processes.

project info:

name: Dark Sky / Cielo Oscuro 

designer: Matali Crasset

festival: Concéntrico 08

location: Logroño, Spain