venice architecture biennale 08: an te liu

the hanging air purification appliances which form an ti liu's 'cloud'
image © designboom

at the start of the twentieth century, notions of healthy living and cleanliness emerged becoming a primary focus
in modern architectural developments and on our urban landscape. architecture started to connect more
with the outdoors, inviting sunlight, foliage, fresh air and large spaces which were free of any external congestion
typically experienced with city life.

a while later, architectural critic reyner banham posed the question 'why have buildings at all?' he talked
about the introduction of sophisticated technologies and how they will allow us to survive without the
traditional forms of shelter which we are familiar with. our world could become entirely controlled by 'bubbles',
with our needs met through various systems and devices.

an te liu's installation at this year's venice architecture biennale looks to these ideas of cleanliness and
presents us with a 'cloud' that is made up of domestic air purification appliances. a cluster of white boxes
hangs down from the ceiling purifying, washing, filtering and sterilizing our airspace, extracting bacteria, allergens,
germs, spores, dust and any other unwanted particles floating around in our atmosphere. perhaps liu's 'cloud'
can be seen as a preview of what to anticipate in our world's future.


image © designboom


image © designboom


image © designboom


the 'cloud' in its entirety
image © designboom


a view of the cloud from below
image © designboom


image © designboom


image © designboom

related
venice architecture biennale 08 preview: an te liu

more
an te liu: http://www.anteliu.com
venice architecture biennale: http://www.labiennale.org