MVRDV’s transformation of JUT Foundation’s new 240m2 lecture hall takes into consideration that although it is a functional space for talks and events, it is also a public installation due to the carpeted landscape that makes it more inviting, comfortable and attractive to users. So yes it a form of public architecture but one that takes a more unconventional design inspired by the natural landscape. The hall will be used by a variety of audiences and connected to the exhibition programme in the gallery of JUT Foundation located on the ground floor. It is a new typology for a lecture hall with its own unique work of art; a single, large-scale textile artwork by Argentinian artist, Alexandra Kehayoglou. Alexandra was perfect for this project because there is such a commitment she has to craftsmanship and these pieces she makes are the result of a laborious hand-tufting process to fabricate wool carpets and rugs that mimic natural textures like moss, water, trees, and pastures. The carpets can transform an entire room (like we see here in the lecture hall) echoing a green landscape.
Design MVRDV: Winy Maas, Jacob van Rijs and Nathalie de Vries
Design Team: Winy Maas, Wenchian Shi with Hui-Hsin Liao Angel Sanchez Navarro and Xiaoting Chen
Partners
Tapestry Carpet design: Alexandra Kehayoglou
Design Development: AI Group - Tomo Huang, Spring Yang, Mingchen Liao and Honghen Lee
Construction: DaYi Construction and Chris Chiu (AI Group) Images: Jut Group