Geometry of Light is an intervention that generates a global experience envisioned as a contemporary lens for the Mies van der Rohe Pavilion, highlighting and expanding upon the architectural and material features of this structure. Using light and sound, Geometry of Light creates a new interpretive layer extending from the primary elements of architecture, including the gridded plan, vertical planes, and materiality.
Focused on the gridded plan of the pavilion, a projected grid of light animates the travertine floor that extends beyond the steel-framed glass walls to accentuate the flowing space as it permeates through the interior and exterior. The way in which light is projected and the spatial situation of sounds enlivens and alters our perception of the essential elements of the Pavilion and its open plan and magnifies the illusion of its physical and material limits.
The animated projections are choreographed to trace, highlight, and alter the composition of the Pavilion to the sound of the custom-designed piece that Oriol Tarragó has created as a direct response to the pitch of the Pavilion to create a comprehensive immersive tonal reading. In this way, together, these elements of light and sound coalesce—both unifying and disjointing the physical and perceptual space—in a new, altered perception and interpretation of the Mies van der Rohe Pavilion.
Geometry of Light is organized by the Fundació Mies van der Rohe and MAS Context within the framework of LLUM BCN and the Festes de Santa Eulàlia.
Following its premiere in Barcelona, Geometry of Light will be installed at the Farnsworth House in October 2019 to coincide with the third edition of the Chicago Architecture Biennial.
We are excited to develop this project in 2019 as it is a significant year for three reasons: It marks the 100th anniversary of the Bauhaus, the 90th anniversary of the Barcelona Pavilion, and the 50th anniversary since the passing of Mies van der Rohe.
Geometry of Light, Barcelona Pavilion, 2019. © Kate Joyce.
About the artistic interventions at the Barcelona Pavilion
The program of artistic interventions with architects and artists began in 1999 with Jeff Wall and continued with Enric Miralles, Dennis Adams, Antoni Muntadas, Iñaki Bonillas, SANAA Kazuyo Sejima + Ryue Nishizawa, Ai Weiwei, Andrés Jaque, Anna & Eugeni Bach, and Domènec among others. They all talk with the Pavilion and generate debates about art, architecture, and culture that are collected in publications.
Geometry of Light, Barcelona Pavilion, 2019. © Kate Joyce.
Geometry of Light, Barcelona Pavilion, 2019. © Kate Joyce.
Geometry of Light, Barcelona Pavilion, 2019. © Kate Joyce.
Geometry of Light, Barcelona Pavilion, 2019. © Kate Joyce.
Geometry of Light, Barcelona Pavilion, 2019. © Kate Joyce.
Geometry of Light, Barcelona Pavilion, 2019. © Kate Joyce.
Geometry of Light, Barcelona Pavilion, 2019. © Kate Joyce.
Geometry of Light, Barcelona Pavilion, 2019. © Kate Joyce.
Geometry of Light, Barcelona Pavilion, 2019. © Kate Joyce.
Team
Organization: Fundació Mies van der Rohe and MAS Context
Conceptual design: Luftwerk in collaboration with Iker Gil
Sound design: Oriol Tarragó
Programming: Andy Kauff
Practical effects: Coser y Cantar estudio
Photo documentation: Kate Joyce
Film documentation: Spirit of Space
Identity: Normal
Support
The leading institutional support to the project is provided by the Graham Foundation for Advanced Studies in the Fine Arts and Bosch Power Tools – North America.
The leading individual support is provided by Chuck Thurow.
The project is also supported by:
Paola Aguirre
Leslie Bodenstein
Will Forrest
Joanne Gross
Tom Lee
Ann Lui
Jason Pickleman
Craig Reschke
