At the end of September a proposal was submitted for the art-for-architecture competition for the Federal Ministry of the Interior in Berlin. Two locations were proposed, in addition to the option of continuing an artistic concept along the paths in the building’s garden. The concept “Deutschlands Vielerlei” (“Germany’s Diversity”) envisages colour stelae for both sites and the paths.
perspective A
16-25-007
perspective B
16-25-008
perspective C
16-25-009
“Deutschlands Vielerlei” combines the sculptural with the cinematic. The sculptural shows many and diverse things. The cinematic shows movement and change as often the viewer changes his or her position. Through their interpenetration and the variation of their rhythm, the colour stelae represent what is given by the title: Germany’s diversity. Many people and many things come together in Germany. The country as it is and as it wishes to remain is the common denominator to which everyone relates. Diversity lives.
Furthermore, the colour stelae form an association to the subject of the fence. Thus they convey protection and openness at the same time. The synthesis of protection and openness – in politics a difficult balancing act – is realised in the aesthetic. The opposites are reconciled. In the formal language, the not-only-but-also is manifested as a coherent matter of course. It becomes an image and a model. Life – life in diversity – life in freedom – life in safety.
“Deutschlands Vielerlei” consists of cylindrical metal stelae, anchored in individual tube foundations. The stelae are colourfully painted, and are given protection against ultraviolet light and a nano-coating. Their diameter is 20 cm. The height of the black stelae is 6 m, of the red stelae 4 m, of the yellow stelae 2 m.