In mid-May 2012 the entry for the art competition of the Klinikum Winnenden, Germany, an open “art for architecture” competition for the Rems-Murr-Kliniken eGmbH, was submitted. The task is to produce an artistic design for the north wall of the clinic's main axis, which covers two storeys over a length of up to 178 m. The proposal entitled “Farbwand” (“Colour Wall”) was presented as a draft idea on 17 February and was selected for the shortlist. On 15 May the detailed proposal was submitted.
facade elements
at the construction
site in Winnenden,
Germany
on January 12, 2012
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at the first colloquy
on January 12, 2012
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at the first colloquy
on January 12, 2012
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total view
12-10-004
partitial view
12-10-005
partitial view
12-10-006
at the second
colloquy
on March 29, 2012
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at the second
colloquy
on March 29, 2012
12-10-008
at the second
colloquy
on March 29, 2012
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partitial view
12-10-010
partitial view
12-10-011
partitial view
12-10-012
The Concept behind “Farbwand”
Artistic Statement:
The theme of Farbwand is ‘Living Development’. In relation to the body, this refers to the process of healing and, in relation to the mind, this refers to the process of cognition. It is the experience of a path, a change, a progression. Farbwand narrates an unfolding story through changes in colour, through colour relationships and colour combinations – a story that becomes readable when walking along Farbwand or when letting your gaze wander across it.
Relationship to Architecture:
The length of the central connecting corridor, the Magistrale is given additional meaning beyond its mere functionality. Objectively, it simply represents a distance but, subjectively, it is experienced as a progression. Each point along the line becomes a location of personal experience that people can identify with. There is no getting lost in an anonymous longitude; instead, there is awareness and recognition of an individual environment. Farbwand creates a flow of colours and shapes, using the length of the wall as its theme and giving it meaning.
Relationship to the Architectural Colour Scheme:
The yellow-green-orange triad is a message with a long-distance effect, projecting from the façade towards and into the exterior space. The purpose of Farbwand is to embed this message in the interior of the hospital building and to give it a core, a soul. To this end, the colour triad is spread out and differentiated. It is richly orchestrated through the use of both contrasting and complementing colours. The colour sequence corresponds to the colours of the three pavilions.
Spatial Effect:
The wall opens up into a colour space, suggesting a view into a forest or onto a gently billowing curtain. The wall comes alive and is endowed with an imaginary depth. Instead of limitation and narrowness, there is a feeling of expansive freedom.
Formal language:
Organic or ‘broken’ forms are deliberately avoided to prevent any associations relating to the body, to pathological findings, to anything concrete. The aim is to liberate people from any distressing thoughts and, instead, to communicate abstract dimensions such as life, progress, perspective, optimism and confidence.
Organisation:
The shapes are consistent but they also offer variety. On the ground floor, Farbwand is organized into sections that correspond to head height in one place and to calf height in another whereas on the upper floor there is variation between arm height and knee height.
Emotional Perception:
With its suggestive power and its ability to fascinate, the purpose of Farbwand is to provide a positive impetus. Patients, visitors and staff with their suffering, worries and stressful jobs are encouraged to breathe again, to re-energize and to get away from their everyday issues.
Identity:
Farbwand creates identification and reinforces an individual feeling of community and ownership. Everyone who spends time in the Magistrale is meant to feel that this is their building, their place. In that sense, Farbwand will contribute to making Klinikum Winnenden a unique topos that stands out from other places, especially from other hospitals. And, last but not least, Farbwand also facilitates wayfinding and orientation.