In early November 2023 a proposal was submitted for the art-for-architecture competition at Villa Liegnitz in Potsdam. For this historic building, the intention is that a sound absorber in the main central space will bring to life the history of the villa.
On a wall that has previously been empty, the space will gain a dominant image that lends meaning and content: the image functions as a message of greeting.
The aim is that guests will feel welcome
> in a building with history (through consistent colour harmony)
> in the aura of a historic person (through the portrait of Princess Liegnitz)
> in comprehensive provision of information (through access via a QR code)
> in a contemporary reference to the present day (through the tech-related formal vocabulary)
> in a space with a subdued, pleasant acoustic (through the absorber that bears an image)
The image evokes the presence of a traditional, large-format painting of the kind that is expected in architectural surroundings like this space.
The signals that the image transmits operate as follows:
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The large QR code that is depicted corresponds to a “genuine“ smaller QR code that will be installed next to the image on the window wall and gives access to historical, political, monument-protection, art historical and other information. Here the content possessed by the Stiftung Preußische Schlösser und Gärten (Foundation for Prussian Palaces and Gardens) can be made available.
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The sound absorption is performed by a large-format acoustic absorber with a weave that permits a high-resolution digital image with intensive colour printing. Instead of a single large absorber, the image could be split across two smaller absorbers.