Designed by Rumgehor, Stine Rosdahl-Petersen, and Tideland Studio, the New Ark installation in Aarhus, Denmark, offers a captivating urban space that invites both reflection and action. Here’s a closer look at this innovative project:
Art and Climate Integration
Situated in the Godsbanen area of Aarhus, New Ark is more than just an artistic installation; it’s a platform for contemplating the body, architecture, and the pressing changes in climate. Spanning a narrow alley near the Aarhus School of Architecture, the installation features a 50-meter-long artwork crafted from undulating concrete tiles and polished steel lifebuoys. This collaboration between architects and artists aims to elevate a mundane passage into a space of profound artistic significance.
Water as a Focal Point
At the heart of New Ark lies a thematic exploration of water—an element that symbolizes both allure and destruction. Digital simulations capture the precise moment when three lifebuoys, embedded in the concrete surface, create ripples akin to those produced by a splash in water. Through intricate detailing, the installation offers a mesmerizing glimpse into the transient nature of water.
Tribute to History and Environment
New Ark serves as a tribute to the historical context of its location. Positioned in an alley that was once part of a flooded natural landscape a century ago, the artwork serves as a reminder of rising sea levels while honoring the area’s hidden past. Visitors are invited to engage with the installation, resting on the reflective surfaces of the lifebuoys that mirror the sky and distort the surrounding architectural lines.
Dynamic Interaction
The undulating tiles of New Ark create a dynamic walking experience, prompting passersby to contemplate the rhythmic relationship between their own movement and the motion of waves. By leveraging the elongated character of the alley, the installation offers a sensory journey that surprises and engages amidst the urban hustle.
New Ark stands as a testament to the power of art in sparking conversations about pressing environmental issues while transforming mundane urban spaces into sites of contemplation and wonder.
