We live in a world entirely dominated by the production, proliferation and consumption of images. Image literacy is, arguably, one of the most crucial skills we need in order to go about our daily lives, distinguishing the real from the fake, the authentic from the artificial, the relevant from the frivolous. The idea of the room has been under speculation for a long time. It is a space where you invent and combine your findings, where you transgress the authentic with the subjective.
The world we currently live in is one in which perfection is expected, documented and commented upon. It’s a world in which control is paramount and where we no longer have time nor patience to wait for nature to deliver what we can apply with a filter and a few photoshop operations. Space, experience and beauty, all fundamental qualities of architecture, have been stripped away, leaving us with merely an image. Where we can control everything from the weather to traffic, from construction to technology; 'The Architect' controls sunsets. In this room and world, it is ‘the architect’ who delivers these environments, effects and aesthetics. Using all aspects of his training, the architect designs, renders, casts, sculpts, illuminates, textures what begins as a leaden sphere and transforms into a glowing fiery orb. The architect transforms the micro-climate and introduces aspects of atmosphere to his surroundings. Once he is satisfied with the effects of the sunset for that day, after the whole process, the sun comes up from the control table projecting vibrant colors and casting shadows.
In collaboration with Juicheng Hung and Linzi Ai.