- Exhibit at Dutch Design Week - 

The photographs on the following pages are part of the assignment, ‘Research in Making’ of the atelier ‘Masterly Apprenticeship’. For this assignment, each student of the graduation studio had to choose a photograph presenting an interior space designed by a renowned Swiss architect. The chosen photograph was an interior image of the Thermal Baths in Vals designed by Peter Zumthor. The objective of this assignment was to recreate that particular scene in a model in order for a photograph of the model to be as similar to the original photograph as possible. During the process of making the model the students were asked to explore the properties of the materials and construction of the represented buildings. Finally, the models and photographs were presented at the Dutch Design Week; an exhibition in Eindhoven celebrating the modern form of art and technology. 

What struck me most about this particular photograph was the composition of the geometry. The three ‘blocks’ - placed at uneven distances from each other - provide the observer with three parallel vertical lines. The placement of these blocks are of utmost importance due to the fact that they do not obstruct the view but they show more of the building, almost seducing you to go and see what is behind the next corner. Additionally the lighting of this particular scene adds to the complexity of the space. The block situated at the back of the photograph shows two different planes: one covered with light and the other basked in shadow. This particular light source also creates a reflection on the water, which forms the fourth vertical line in this photograph. 

The various, uneven, horizontal layers of stone used in Peter Zumthor’s design might be thought to inspire a certain uneasiness within the visitor. In fact it does the opposite - the alignment of layers in relation to each other gives the visitor a sense of comfort.  The sequence is not random, but has obviously been carefully considered; each layer playing its part within a larger whole. Coming together at the corners, they do not mark the end of an entity, but instead implies that there is more. Together with the playfulness of light and shadow, the pattern engages our sense of curiosity.