In this case, the proverbial “first sod” will in fact leave a symmetrical scar in the turf. Beginning today, the first visible preparations are now being made for the construction of the temporary exhibition building for documenta 12 on Karlsaue meadow. Over the coming week, around 10,000 square meters of turf will first be cut and then cleanly removed to a depth of 15cm, leaving a shape matching the ground plan of the palace. The exposed earth will then be given a layer of gravel followed by a thin covering of asphalt. What in the current gray January weather looks more like Woodstock II will, from June onward, be transformed into a transparent, light-filled structure based on advanced greenhouse technology.

The outline of this “castle in the air” will probably become visible from Wednesday evening, in the lawn in front of the Orangerie, the historical counterpart to the temporary palace. It will be the outline of a lightweight and airy architecture designed to provide space for art and learning: “The moment when the exhibition is perceived not as a mere collection of sensational trophies, a junk room, a discourse factory, or a shopping mall, but as a broadly defined space for experience – that is the moment when the architecture has the task of enabling learning experiences.” (Roger M. Buergel)

If funding is secured, it will not remain a mere “castle in the sky”. Instead, a temporary structure will be created that will vanish again when the show is over. This exhibition architecture is to be financed via sponsoring and fundraising, not out of the documenta’s regular budget.

Regular updates on the progress of building work will be posted on our website.


* Fotos: Heiko Meyer
© documenta GmbH

 

 

 

( 7. Februar 2007)

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