As part of my work for Zaha Hadid Architects, I have designed the installation for the ZHA retrospective exhibition and the Table of Architecture, both of which have been unveiled during the 2009 Barbara Cappochin International Architecture Biennial. The exhibition takes place at The Salone of Palazzo della Ragione (constructed 1172-1219), one of the most notable monuments in the city of Padova, being reputed to have the largest roof unsupported by columns in Europe and decorated inside with an elaborate cycle of frescoes.

The Palazzo has presented itself as a vigorous design challenge for Zaha Hadid due to the historical quality of the space. The aim has been both to respect the spatial / contextual characteristics and to intervene in the space at the same time. The Salone is viewed as a field upon which the existing data of the space, such as entrances/openings, act as shaping forces. This force-field has resulted in the creation of a world of undulating landscape-like forms, made up of blocks and plinths. Due to their slender geometry, the blocks, performing both as installation and exhibition medium, allow the visitors to appreciate the frescoes and other existing sculptures in the space. The plinths can be used for placing the various products/furniture pieces ZHA has designed as well as offering seating spaces for the visitors.

The undulating blocks, whose forms are defined by the rules of breaking and continuity, generate 6 distinct islands within themselves. Each of these islands define the Conceptual Morphologies of the ZHA exhibition concept, namely: (1) Lines/Bundles/Networks, (2) Waves/Shells/Cocoons, (3) Aggregations/Clusters/Jigsaws, (4) Fields, (5)Landscape & Topography, and (6) Parametricism.

The purpose of the Table of Architecture is to showcase the winners of the 2009 Barbara Cappochin Biennale. Located in Piazza Cavour, Padova, the object is designed to challenge the usual perception of wood as a sheet or stick material, rediscovering the sculptural potential of the wooden mass. A large block of wood is carved out by dynamic forces to create an undulating structure, installed as a large scale piece of urban furniture which will attract and surprise the pedestrian flow around it. Seating areas as well as displays are provided within the sculpture.

The top undulating surface has been panelized to generate a series of elements that can display the architectural projects of the winners of the Biennale.

Table of Architecture is 2,3m x 1,5m x 19,8m and it weighs 7,3 tonnes.

Me with the Table of Architecture and the Installation

Posted: November 15th, 2009 under News.
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