for the past four years, size + matter has been a cornerstone project of london design week,
located at the southbank centre, in which an architect or designer explores the dynamic
between materials and manufacturing.

last year, japanese architect shigeru ban's 'paper tower'  and australian designer marc newson's 'supercell',
were selected as part of the size + matter project. for 2010, UK-based architect david chipperfield
and designer paul cocksedge have been commissioned to develop installations for size + matter,
to be presented at london design week in september.



'drop' by paul cocksedge


as his contribution, paul cocksedge has conceived 'drop', which looks like an outsized coin
'which has fallen to earth from giant's palm,' that appears lightly buckled upon landing
improbably upright. consisting of a giant brass disc (2.6m high x 3m wide with a 100mm thickness),
'drop' is magnetic and encourages passers-by to participate by affixing their spare pennies
to its surface, facilitating a human connection with an otherworldly object and allowing individuals
to alter the appearance of the installation. 'drop' thus becomes copper-plated through many small acts
of human contribution. at the end of the installation, the public's monetary contributions will be
counted and barnardo's corporate partners will turn every penny into one pound. the ambition is
to emulate the success of the studio's 'kiss' installation in milan last year which raised a large donation
for good causes.

the sculpture is made possible through a collaboration between ARUP and van driel engineering.

up close of the magnetized surface



'the space in between' by david chipperfield

david chipperfield's installation entitled 'the space in between', is a cityscape of nine modular
blocks ranging from 2.8 to 5.8 metres high, covering an area of 175 square metres.
the installation will seamlessly transform from shimmering towers during sunlight hours,
to glowing, jewel-like beacons at night.

for his piece, chipperfield is working with Sefar®, who manufactures architecture textiles,
and glass producer bischoff glastechink (BGT). within the base of each block, there will be a
hidden light source. as day turns into night, each one will begin to glow and the solidity of
the towers, which is apparent during the day, will fall away, encouraging a new relationship
between the cityscape and its audience. to be situated on the southbank centre square,
it will be overlooked by different elevated walkways as well as street and surrounding plazas.
the total composition oscillates between a large still life and small cityscape, where the space
in between becomes the protagonist in the balancing of mass and space.