moradavaga realizes vira-lata installation using 2300 turnable tin cans

moradavaga realizes vira-lata installation using 2300 turnable tin cans
all images courtesy of moradavaga 

the locomotiva project was introduced by porto lazer — porto, portugal’s leisure council/organization — to integrate the recently finished são bento train station into the community. portuguese studio moradavaga, founded by manfred eccli and pedro cavaco leitao, was invited to join the project along with collaborator rossana ribeiro, and in their efforts conceived ‘vira-lata’. 

each of the 2300 tin cans are accessible from a hidden inner staircase

the concept took form as an extension of the space at hand. its largely vertical area called for an equally vertical element, which needed to be ludic and interactive, but also practical for every day commuter use. ‘vira-lata’ easily falls into both categories, crossing multiple references from traditional travel dialogue. the façade of the structure is imagined as a communication tower, much like the departure and arrival boards found inside. behind, is a functioning public staircase that connects the station to the street above. the stairs also allow visitors to actively interact with the piece. by turning any of the 2300 cans — as if in a massive pixel screen — users can create original messages and images. ‘vira-lata’ is currently open to the public. 

video courtesy of moradavaga

‘vira-lata’ by moradavaga in the distance

two different colors are used to create the flexible façade

the structure takes on the function of a massive analogical pixel screen

2300 cans went into the façade

each tin can spins independently 

editing from the road above

the piece is currently on show

floodlights reflect off the shining cans 

communication tower next to porto’s são bento train station

axonometric view of the tower

project info:

project: installation
location: porto, portugal
date: march 21, 2015 (opening)
collaboration: rossana ribeiro
partner: cavaco & coquet, lda
structure: catari portugal
support: colep

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