The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has today (Wednesday 11 March 2020) announced Charles Holland Architects together with multi-disciplinary artist Di Mainstone as the designers of the summer installation at RIBA’s landmark HQ building in central London.
Responding to the theme of ‘Power’, the installation will be on show from 28 May to 12 September 2020.
Part architecture, part experience, this collaboration will combine an architectural installation with a multi-sensory performative element. Through theatrical devices, playful soundscapes and sculptural objects, it considers the power relations unspoken within the architectural plan. The arrangement of space – the architectural plan – informs how we move though buildings, what rooms we are allowed into and what we do in them. Transforming the layout of the gallery space, visitors are invited to explore how forms of power are expressed and performed in architecture.
The proposal was chosen, following an open call, by the a curatorial panel consisting of: Marie Bak Mortensen, Head of Exhibitions, RIBA; Margaret Cubbage, Curator Exhibitions, RIBA; Owen Hatherley, writer and critic; Luke Casper Pearson, Lecturer at Bartlett School of Architecture and part of selected practice You+Pea for the 2019 installation; and Catherine Yass, artist.
RIBA Head of Exhibitions & Interpretation, Marie Bak Mortensen, said:
“The curatorial panel was overwhelmed with the ambition and breadth of the submissions to this year’s Architecture Open and it was far from an easy task to narrow down 67 entries to one. Combining the skills of an architect with those of a multi-disciplinary artist will bring new tactile experiences to the RIBA Architecture Gallery, while highlighting the intangible power of one of the fundamentals of architecture: the plan. We look forward to revealing this experiential installation in summer 2020 and inviting visitors to explore how architectural drawings prescribe and define our spaces.”
The installation will be on display alongside a programme of talks and events, during the London Festival of Architecture (LFA).
For more details visit here
Ends
Notes to editors:
1. For more press information, contact Emily Stallard in the RIBA Press Office: Emily.Stallard@riba.org / 020 7307 3813.
2. Portrait photos of Charles Holland and Di Mainstone can be downloaded here
3. For further information about the open call visit here or email: opencall@riba.org
4. Charles Holland Architects (CHA) is an international architecture and design studio. Their work is multi-disciplinary in scope and includes buildings, exhibitions, public art and urban design as well as teaching and research. CHA’s recent work includes a summer pavilion in the grounds of Fountains Abbey for the National Trust and the design of Hogarth: Place and Progress at the Sir John Soane’s Museum. They are currently working on the design of a major new public space in Croydon, a new house in the Kent countryside and two educational buildings. Before forming CHA, Charles was a principal of FAT where he was the director in charge of a number of key projects including A House For Essex, the practice's collaboration with Grayson Perry.
5. Artist Di Mainstone develops performances and installations that combine sculpture, music, dance, wearables and technology. Di invented the Human Harp an instrument that makes music with bridges and was highlighted by The New York Times as one of the new generation visionaries in the international digital arts scene. Di’s films and installations have been exhibited internationally. Examples of her work are currently showing at Southbank Centre (‘Soundpit’ an interactive installation) and at Tower Bridge Engine Rooms (‘Time Bascule’ a short film and exhibition).
6. The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) is a global professional membership body that serves its members and society in order to deliver better buildings and places, stronger communities and a sustainable environment. Follow @RIBA on Twitter for regular updates.
7. The RIBA is a registered charity and it relies on the generosity of individuals, companies, trusts and foundations to preserve its world-class collections, to maintain free public access to its exhibitions and develop a diverse and exciting public events programme.
8. The installation will be on display alongside a programme of talks and events, during the London Festival of Architecture (LFA)
@LFArchitecture (Twitter)
@LondonFestivalofArchitecture (Instagram)
#LFA2020
