“We work the clay in the shape of a vase, for it is
precisely where there is nothing that the effectiveness of the vase resides. We
make openings for doors and windows to make a house, for it is precisely where
there is nothing that the effectiveness of the house resides. Thus, we think
that we benefit from things that are tangible, but it is precisely where we do
not perceive anything that true effectiveness resides.” --Lao Tzu
A void cannot exist without a mass, and the multipurpose
art gallery designed by atelier rzlbd is an expression of this realization and
a representative of its design philosophy. Located in Bayview Village shopping
mall the gallery explores the challenges of integrating shopping experience
with public and private events that promote contemporary art and architecture.
The atelier splits into two separate rooms that
complement one another by their immediate contrast: a void and a mass. The void
is a gallery space; a spacious 2000 sqf room that has been cleared of any
distractive elements. The room is surrounded by white drywalls installed as
presentation boards on reinforced plywood. Washed with concealed natural light
linear fluorescent bulbs, there is hardly any conventional gallery accessory to
distract the artworks. Apart from the massive entrance door built with anodized
aluminum sheets everything else stays invisible in the gallery to ensure the
appreciation of the work. At the other end a cozy space that lives behind a
two-sided pivot door created the mass for the void. The room consists of a
kitchenette and a work area surrounded by black paint and populated by minimal
furniture and built-in millwork.
The small intimate think tank appears to be in a mental
competition with the gallery outside, yet they are a cooperative couple as they
aim for the same vision: to create and celebrate art. While their appearances
are opposite in a direct and sudden manner, their curious coexistence resembles
a passionate waltz, where one leads the other, puts it in danger by holding it
in the air, but then proudly protects it from falling, and they both continue
to dance.