Frank. : Honor: Week 2/3 Exhibition Research

Sound Box: Swiss Pavilion at Hannover Expo 2000, Germany by Peter Zumthor

This architectural installation is about the senses in particular sounds,words, smell and sight (Surfin, Paul). It is implied to change like a rhythm taking in to consideration the moment, for example the amount of visitors or temperature changes in the weather even down to the smell of the drying wood from the materials used. This exhibition has people access from either side of it as it is completely open.

The installation is made up of a series of complex wood structures stacked on top of each other similar to that of walls but completely open which allow the elements to pass through between the wood structures. There was no form of glue or screws etc in the creation of the structure, instead just the Swiss origin wooden beams and binding straps with steel springs (Gwizda, Marta). By connecting the materials in such a way it meant that they could be recycled and reused for another purpose after the exhibition (Etherington, Rose). The series of walls form to create a series of pathways and rooms within the structure, allowing for more intimate experiences and resting spaces. Within the exhibition there is also projected Swiss words used to entice and draw in the visitors and encourage them to read and linger in the space longer. Throughtout the duration of the exhibition, there is a series of musicians who alternate regularly creating a constant change in musical style and performance, with the music playing this creates a musical sound experience while exploring the architectural structures, thus the sound box sensory idea.

Agendas, motivations: This art installation was created specifically as part of the Hannover expo, and was based around the idea of recycling and reusing.
Nature: The installation was very organic and original in nature as the materials consisted of wood and were not bolted together so could be reused for another purpose after the exhibition.
Methodologies: For this installation the methodologies were a mixture of performance based and sensory elements. Musicians performed but it was through the structure that the sound box was created and the way it was to built to create sensory elements for the viewer.
spatial context: The spatial context of this installation was ultimately architectural.
Technology: New technology in the method of how the wood was stacked and held together was incorporated, they were connected in such a way that the materials were not damaged therefore could be used for another purpose after the expo had ended.
Audience: The audience was intended to be anyone and everyone, particularly those with an interest in the music being played within, as the audience was invited to linger and enjoy the atmosphere of the space within.

References:

Surfrin, Paul. “Swiss pavilion at Expo 2000 offers respite from assault on senses.” Swiss info. JUN 1, 2000. Web. 12 March 2017.

Zsolt, Eke. “GEMS OF TIMBER ARCHITECTURE - PAVILIONS OF EXPOS Hungarian pavilion in Sevilla and Swiss pavilion in Hannover.” Szechenyi Istv ´ an University. Date unknown. Web. 12 March 2017.

Gwizda, Marta. “Exemplary project - Swiss Pavilion 'Sound Box' designed by Peter Zumthor.” Student Folio. Date unknown. Web. 12 March 2017.

Franzoia, Elena. “P. Zumthor Swiss Pavilion at Expo 2000 in Hanover.” Floor Nature Architecture and Surfaces. 26 August 2002. Web. 12 March 2017.

Etherington, Rose. “Key projects by Peter Zumthor.” de zeen. 18 April 2009. Web. 12 March 2017.