2008 Pavilion for the Kivik Art Centre
Text by Nora Schmidt
Berlin, Germany
17.07.08
The concrete structure, which at first sight looks rather awkward and monumental, reveals itself at a closer look as a walk-in sculpture which.
The Kivik Pavilion is a project which was initiated by the Kivik Art Centre in southern Sweden and is intended to represent a link between art, architecture and design. Last year the Norwegian firm of architects Snøhetta presented their 'Mother Ship', while this year the architect David Chipperfield and the artist Antony Gormley received a commission which led to the creation of a sober multi-functional object featuring a cellar, stage and tower.
The concrete structure, which at first sight looks rather awkward and monumental, reveals itself at a closer look as a walk-in sculpture which the architects integrate into its surroundings by creating a large variety of views and perspectives.
The 'cellar' is a dark cool space which imitates the atmosphere of a damp, shady thicket. A narrow staircase leads upwards to the second level of the pavilion, the 'stage'. This horizontal area is open on two sides, offering an open view at the level of the tree tops and at the same time creating a stage situation which places visitors in the limelight and makes them part of the installation.
The 'tower' is 18 m in height and a revolving staircase takes visitors to the top, providing a spectacular view across the forest and the Baltic Sea.