“The only form of architecture capable of covering all the contradictions, all the events of daily life: the Continuous Monument” – Superstudio
The massive unbroken grid-like structure spanning across the world dreamed by the radical design group Superstudio reflected their skepticism towards technological progress and the belief that design could solve social problems. The utopian megastructure symbolized the alienating growing homogeneity of global architecture but was also strangely poetic and inspiring for future generations of architects. The dystopian possibility of a future civilization made of uniformity described by Natalini doesn’t seem too far off. Yet the idea that architecture could stop being an individual gesture is somehow appealing...
"Hyphen" is a one-kilometer long infrastructure used for the “Genève Genève” festival. A structure entirely made of scaffolding temporarily assembled here before returning to the constant flux of standardized construction materials. A collective roof for performances, tables, restaurants, bars, stages, or just shade. The continuous walkway of steel bars might be a temporary linear utopia. Brought to life by its users, the ephemeral design is merely an empty receptacle for unplanned activities. Transgressing urban divides, the public monument aims to unite the city for a short celebration of daily life.
Team:
Designers: Giona Bierens de Haan Architectures + Leopold Banchini Architects
Photos by: Dylan Perrenoud
