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Exhibition view from “Heike Hanada”

Heike Hanada Monuments

Coming from its Latin origin, the term “monument” describes a significant memorial of vast dimensions. The constructional configuration enforces a solitary position in its context, signifying its special meaning as a bearer of memory. For Heike Hanada, the use of this term focuses on the interest in architectural properties of monuments—their precise shape, distinctiveness and grandeur. Properties not simply generated by sheer material size, but which develop an abstract spatial style through composition, assemblage and proportions.

In reference to Mies van der Rohe, Hanada revolves around the term “monumentality” on multiple layers: as a relationship between solitaire and context, a perceptual-physiological phenomenon as well as a spiritual space that does not force anything on the viewer besides inner immensity.

As different as these layers appear, they do have one thing in common: Heike Hanada focuses on her concept of space as an aesthetic phenomenon, accompanied, but not dictated by functional aspects. This mindset focusing primarily on the perception of public spaces is supported by her years of work as an artist.

In her exhibition, Hanada develops a system of overlaying parallel lines, emanating from the grid of the gallery’s stone floor, drawn in pencil on the walls. This pencil-drawn mural addresses the design process as an interpretative reflection of the space. A certain order is generated and ultimately varied. Embedded in the mural are drawings of the most important works Heike Hanada has worked on over recent years.

Heike Hanada established her laboratory for art and architecture in Berlin in 2007. Since then, she has been successful in numerous competitions, including the Stockholm City Library Extension (First Prize, 2008) and the construction of the New Bauhaus Museum in Weimar (First Prize, 2012, together with Benedict Tonon). She is currently planning the Bauhaus Museum in Weimar, which will be completed in 2018. Heike Hanada is professor for Gestaltung at the Potsdam School of Architecture since 2010.

Photo: Jan Bitter

, Photo: Jan Bitter