1:1 constructs architectural floating object for two-day journey

1:1 constructs architectural floating object for two-day journey
all images courtesy of 1:1

according to 1:1 studio, ‘the responsibility for our actions as architects is rarely taken seriously. it is something that everybody talks about at the architecture schools, however in practice we rarely see architects getting the blame for an inconvenient building plan or inhumane masterplan. it seems that architects are often too disconnected from the consequences of their design.’ to change this, the lithuanian firm decided to make an experimental workshop for students that would challenge them put their lives on the line for their creative capabilities.

transportation of the object

the plan was simple – the group had to design and construct a floating object which later they had to take for a two-day journey on the biggest river in the country. success meant safe return home and enjoyable voyage, while failure provided a threat for their safety, loss of the personal belongings, and possibility of dropping off at an unknown place. ‘surprisingly, it was not difficult to find 20 architecture students which could sacrifice their life for getting their ideas realized (true architects!)‘ 1:1 jokes. the design and building process took place at vilnius academy of arts kaunas faculty, which is conveniently situated next to the junction of two flowing bodies of water.

first destination

three teams created a lot of unexpected ideas to construct a floating object. however, in the end, plastic tub and plywood were chosen as the most reliable materials for a structure. but the work did not end here. every ring had to be secured around the barrel caps, every thread had to loop perfectly through the platforms, and every joint, bolt, and knot had to be inspected. several days of production, sweat, and wood culminated in a 6-by-6 meter rectangular shape object, which hopefully could float in the water and carry 20 people for a 7-kilometer journey. once the collective realized their success, the astonishment continued as it managed to travel without complications. a documentary capturing the endeavor will be presented at the 2014 venice architecture biennale.

floating people

detail of a joint

floating park

departure

the raft among other vehicles

preparation for the first journey

manual of the floating object design.

project info:

organizing team: mykolas svirskis, tomas kuleša, martynas leščišinas, antanas šarkauskas, vytautas lelys, karolis platakis, berta bocullo
students/participants: tomas šuminas, lukas tuleikis, edgaras janutauskas, laura druktenytė, rasuolė petrikaitė, ieva rad, elena damaševičiūtė, santa simonavičiūtė, grėtė lo, mėta šalūgaitė, aušra lekauskaitė, monika gedvilaitė
consultants: linas tuleikis, audrys karalius, julius markevičius
structure: 16 plastic water tubs of 90 liters, waterproof plywood sheets, string
text: andrius ropolas
images: rytis šeškaitis, edvardas bertašius, tomas petreikis, martynas leščišinas

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.