kawahara krause architects: line, surface, space
‘line, surface, space’ by kawahara krause architects, hamburg, germany, 2012
image © kawahara krause architects

hamburg based german-japanese firm kawahara krause architects have developed ‘line, surface, space’ for the 2012 summer architectural triennial
in hamburg, germany.the installation plays with the perception of space. it is a fragile structure of threads stretching from floor to ceiling that seems
to dissolve and recompose into new appearances in the room. varying between transparent and closed surfaces, the spatial perception changes with
each step taken through the exhibition.

it is erected on the plan of three interlocking twisted squares of different sizes. while the threads of the outer box suggest the edges of an imaginary area,
the more densely arranged strings move toward the middle appearing to create surfaces. the ordinary filaments evolve into lines in space that create facades which
seem to comprise of volumes. profiles and faces overlap in various constellations to develop a fragile structure that grows and changes its appearance on approaching,
walking around or through it.

kawahara krause architects: line, surface, space
exhibition space
image © kawahara krause architects

the perception of architecture is affected by the physical experience of the relation of one’s body to its surroundings and the image that our brain produces
from the sensual impressions. the installation strives to make visitors aware of this relation by playfully questioning the basic geometric principles of design.
it blurs the thresholds between line, surface and space. it offers a new image of these three ideas and expresses an understanding of how much an area needs
to be defined in order to become recognizable. the ambiguous overlapping of threads creates a complex impression as a single element is hardly visible making
the space a void of indistinguishable comprehension.

kawahara krause architects: line, surface, space
spotlight
image © kawahara krause architects

to question the essential principles that are usually taken for granted and to see them as opportunities, original architecture was developed to establish
spatial experiences that are created by providing ordinary woolen threads with a new use. a clear plan and easily available materials creates a complex environment,
by simple measures of thread, paper profiles and screws, which can easily be recycled and reused. japanese artist noboku watabiki,
who normally draws large abstract forms in vivid colors onto paper or canvas, painted several pieces of the yarn, so that colorful areas materialize on the surfaces.
the areas overlap and keep on changing their composition as one progresses through the installation. the coatings add another layer to the construction,
affecting transparency and perception of the surfaces,as the pigment glows vividly on the facades, dematerializing the pieces even further.

kawahara krause architects: line, surface, space
painted threads
image © kawahara krause architects

kawahara krause architects: line, surface, space
image © kawahara krause architects

kawahara krause architects: line, surface, space
image © kawahara krause architects

kawahara krause architects: line, surface, space
detail
image © kawahara krause architects

kawahara krause architects: line, surface, space
plan
image © kawahara krause architects

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