Concept and Inspiration
人: The Proscenium of Ephemeral Reflections was constructed in 2024 for the Festival des Architectures Vives. Gonzalez Serrano Studio+ and J-AF Architecture designed and built this kinetic installation. The project was also awarded the First Prize in the Jury Prize Award of the 2024 edition.
“人 (person), origin of movement and rhythm, creative organism of art and beauty. Proscenium, space between the public and the curtain (facade) in a theatrical performance, origin of the Court d´Honneur, between the public and the monumental.”
Design and Visitor Experience
A façade that shines, inviting visitors to enter a space that was foreign to them, guiding them across a red carpet to the center of the action. The object creates a sense of approach to the context through sinuous and rhythmic patterns that reflect the surroundings, generating a background that invites visitors to use the patio as a stage. Two opposing surfaces evoke movement and the dissolution between what is built and what is not built.
The proscenium of Ephemeral Reflections used digital manufacturing techniques and manual assembly to create a structure that rethinks architecture with new shapes, materials, and configurations. The kinetic facade consists of 572 moving, laser-cut acrylic pieces with a mirror finish, joined to a eucalyptus wood structure using 3D printed pieces. The project was sponsored by the European University of Madrid.
“Rhytmic reflections appears in the courtyard, framing specific details of the national monument that hosts the project, making visitors aware of the importance and beauty of the palace.”
Project Info
Architects: Gonzalez Serrano Studio+ & J-AF Architecture
Location: Montpellier, France
Structure: CNC-Shaped 21mm poplar plywood with eucalyptus finishing
Facade: 572 Acrylic Laser cut pieces (Mirror, transparent and translucent)
Joinery: 572 3D Printed pieces (Recycled PLA) and screws
Light: Custom LED Lamp 1500lum
