PROTECT ART!

2024

Shortlisted competition entry for CHART Art fair 2024 pavilion, Copenhagen
Gross area 72 sqm

In collaboration with Schauman & Nordgren Architects and Rron Bexheti Arkitektur

In 2024, Nordic architecture cannot not only be understood as a style signifying simplicity, localness and sophisticated materiality. Instead, we propose the coming era to be defined by inclusiveness and crisis awareness. In the NEO age, climate crises, conflicts and global migrant flows have changed the geographic, demographic and cultural composition of our living environment. As democratic and cultural instutions are being dismantled in nations across the world, we need to step forward and protect what is worth protecting: Arts and Culture.

Our design of a temporary exhibition space for CHART reflects a the state of the world we are in, and responds to its disaster conditions. For CHART 2024, we propose a structure composed of four basic elements that are readily available most places in the world: Earth, textile and scaffolding. Sandbags, commonly used to protect our civilization from destruction, flooding or assault, are the main element,  taking the shape of two spiraling walls that together form a sheltered space. Above, a canopy of reusable scaffolding protects the space from rain, while a curtain around the edge shelter the visitors and artworks from wind and sunlight.

Together, they form a refuge for art and for humanity. As a part of our proposal, we also propose that part of the revenues from the sales from this event go to support organisations that protect art and artists from political oppression and support the freedom of expression.