Kunsthülle
2006 at Liverpool Biennale for Contemporary Art
The Kunsthülle LPL, also called the serpentine pavilion of the north, was a structure for Greenland Street, a major new venue for contemporary art in Liverpool. The rooftop structure was a playful and experimental space for lectures, performances and events.
It appeared to merge into the old factory, incorporating an existing staircase, the roof top, and extending out over the public Façade of the building. The installation consisted of a pavilion structure that divides the rooftop into two terraced spaces – the City and Merseyside - that were lined with green hedges. A permeable membrane allowed visitors to walk from one to another, passing through a curtain that flexes and warps. Made from the PVC curtain used in modern factory buildings, the translucent skin had two layers: an outer white layer, which protected the space from the weather; and an inner red layer, which added thermal and noise protection.
The Kunsthülle responded to the shifting environment, with changes in light and wind playing across the curtains, creating a dynamic and lively character. Its translucent skin acted as beacon that links the arts centre to the city, offering a space for talks and discussions with fantastic views to the River Mersey and Liverpool. Inspired by the regeneration of Liverpool, the Kunsthülle alluded to the industrial heritage of this former factory complex and its surrounding buildings. Liverpool.s architectural landscape combines a large-scale World Heritage Site, decrepit buildings, and a variety of renovations, refurbishments and new builds. It is an inspiring mix. The feeling of growth is palpable and the Kunsthülle aimed to engage audiences in a wider debate about the built environment.
