chipperfield sets sticks and stones amid berlin’s neue nationalgalerie

 
british architect david chipperfield has used 144 tree trunks to transform the open glass hall of berlin’s neue nationalgalerie. the densely filled expanse of columns engages with mies van der rohe’s original architecture, while simultaneously serving as a preface to chipperfield’s renovation of the museum in 2015.

the densely filled expanse of columns engages with mies van der rohe’s original architecture
david chipperfield, sticks and stones, an intervention, installation view
photo by david von becker (also main image)

as well as referencing a children’s nursery rhyme, the ‘sticks and stones’ moniker also alludes to two important elements of architecture: columns and stone. david chipperfield’s display is the last special installation before the temporary closing of the institution, meaning that the title assumes a more profound and acute meaning.

the installation serves as a preface to chipperfield’s renovation of the museum
photo by david von becker

subtly directing attention towards to structure of the museum, the barked spruce tree trunks symbolically support the weight of the roof, serving as a metaphor for the upcoming construction site. at the heart of the hall a 200 square meter clearing forms an open space where various interdisciplinary events can be held.

‘sticks and stones, an intervention’ will be on display at the neue nationalgalerie until december 31st, 2014.

the ‘sticks and stones’ moniker alludes to two important elements of architecture
photo by david von becker

the barked spruce tree trunks symbolically support the weight of the roof
photo by simon menges

exterior view of the neue nationalgalerie in 1968
photo © archiv neue nationalgalerie, nationalgalerie, staatliche museen zu berlin, photo by reinhard friedrich

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