'arcades project', 2012 by troika as part of the 'future primitives' project' during biennale interieur 2012
30 m (l) x 2 m (w) x 3.2 m (h)
lenses, lights, steel and aluminium
image © designboom
designboom met with sebastien noel in kortrijk to discuss london-based art and design studio troika's vision for 'future primitives project' as part of the biennale interieur 2012 entitled 'arcades project' - a site specific light installation exploring what is intangible and what is physical. set up in a former stable building in the historical town of old buda island in belgium, the artwork is an archway given shape by a series of 14 columns of light that are met by a fresnel lens refracting the rays of light that travel through its focal point. on exiting the lens the rays do not just change direction but bend hyperbolically to form the arches of gothic architecture - an immaterial structure.
the experimental project combines the elements of science and philosophy articulated through intersecting the disciplines of sculpture, architecture and art where the implanted illuminated form engages in strong metaphysical dialogue with its surrounding volumes - brick walls, pitched roofs and exposed wooden beams. the work offers a moment to reflect upon the ethereal architecture - exploring the boundaries of what does and does not define a space and, ultimately, an experience.
troika comments on their take on the 'future primitives' project:
'our interpretation of the 'future primitives' recognizes and questions our consumption with technological progress by offering room for reflection and moments of contemplation rather than efficiency in performance, and celebrates observation, human involvement and experience in an increasingly rational and rationalized world'.

sebastien noel describes the lighting concept and installation
video © designboom

the artwork is set up in a former stable building in the historical town of old buda island in belgium
image © designboom

the experimental project combines the elements of science and philosophy
image © designboom

a detail of the artwork illustrating the refraction of light
image © designboom

the artwork is an archway given shape by a series of 14 columns of light that are met by a fresnel lens refracting the rays of light that travel through its focal point
image © designboom

the implanted illuminated form engages in strong metaphysical dialogue with its surrounding volumes
image © designboom

the work explores the boundaries of what does and does not define a space
image © designboom

detail of the lower part of the column
image © designboom

image © designboom

image courtesy troika

video © designboom

sebastien noel of troika
portrait © designboom

a sketch of the concept
image courtesy troika

isaac newton's sketch of his crucial experiment (experimentum crucis) in which light from the sun is refracted through a prism

image courtesy troika
the biennale INTERIEUR 2012 has invited 7 artists, designers and architects to create a project room. curator lowie vermeersch explains the future primitives showcase which features nendo, makkink & bey, ross lovegrove, greg lynn, troika, david bowen and muller van severen.