venice architecture biennale 08: romanian pavilion

installation view of the romanian pavilion
image © designboom

entitled 'bolt', the romanian pavilion was an installation of dual dimensions. the exhibition was a presentation of
macro-photography of architectural projects in romania. alongside the photographs were tripod stools made by
the rudari (peasant woodworkers) of northern oltenia, romania. the typical shape of the sitting devices is much
like a boomerang. in contrast to the traditional stools were a display of modern day wood and
metal interpretations. the 'bolt' installation examines how contemporary builders can grasp the vernacular
tradition of romania. it looks at the poorer economy of the country and the individuals living at this current
period of change after decades of oppression.


the traditional stools made by peasant workers in oltenia, romania stand at various heights
image © designboom


an arrangement of the 'chair of counsel' and 'well' by marian zidaru
image © designboom

marian zidaru's contribution to the romanian pavilion was the 'counsel chair' along with a cross, well and fence.


detail of the 'chair of counsel's' wood construction
image © designboom


marian zidaru
image © designboom


'bolt X' by serban sturdza & prodid, manufactured by anghel gheorghe looks like a fly with a wing-like seat and thin legs
image © designboom

serban sturdzan exhibited a range of 'bolt' chairs which looked at the chair as a living object, existing somewhere
between a piece of furniture and a garment. the three-legged metal objects all reference the traditional
vaideeni chair of romania.


'bolt V' by serban sturdza & prodid, manufactured by anghel gheorghe
image © designboom


'bolt IX' by serban sturdza & prodid, manufactured by anghel gheorghe
image © designboom


'bolt IV' by serban sturdza & prodid, manufactured by anghel gheorghe
image © designboom


a 'bolt' chair by serban sturdza & prodid, manufactured by anghel gheorghe
image © designboom


'bolt VIII' by serban sturdza & prodid, manufactured by anghel gheorghe
image © designboom


'bolt VIII' by serban sturdza & prodid, manufactured by anghel gheorghe
image © designboom


serban sturdza
image © designboom


outside the pavilion, traditional stools made by the rudari are displayed
image © designboom


detail of traditional romanian wood tripod stool
image © designboom


pathway of woven branches, hermitage, sinca veche

photographic panels of various projects which unite nature and the built environment together are
displayed with the stools.


wooden roofing, hermit's retreat, sinca veche


large oculus, rock-hewn chapel, sinca veche


exterior staircase, woven hazel landing, bucharest

more
serban sturdza: http://www.a2a.ro
venice architecture biennale: http://www.labiennale.org