ian shaw architekten

Light installation - Frankfurt Luminale

This temporary artwork, titled 'water lilies', presents an allegorical play on the sensitive dynamic between nature and technology. The project comprises three underwater mobile light installations that respond to fluctuations in the water current within the river Main. In calm conditions, the light is ethereal, serene and contemplative; in heavier waters, ephemeral, shimmering and flickering.

The Frankfurt Luminale is one of the world’s longest running festivals of light. The event runs in parallel with the city’s Light + Building exhibition which regularly attracts international architects, designers and lighting engineers.

PROFILE

Studio

Established in 1998, Ian Shaw Architekten is an award winning, international practice based in Frankfurt, offering a full architectural service together with urban design and master-planning; interior architecture; furniture and product design; and acoustics & sound system design.

The practice has extensive experience across a wide range of building types, having delivered projects in the commercial, culture, healthcare, industrial and residential sectors.

Ian Shaw Architekten holds membership of both the Bund Deutscher Architekten (BDA) and the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA).

Principles

The practice is interested in the communicative potential of construction and materiality. Integral to this approach is the use of light as a building element, defining space and animating form.

Every scheme we undertake is developed with efficiency, elegance and authenticity; and always articulated with close reference to context and function.

In essence, our buildings aim to generate a strong sense of place through visceral, experiential content; it is about rooting an architecture in its culture and topography.

Process

Everything we create is the outcome of an intensive dialogue between our clients and ourselves. Each detail is carefully considered. From concept design to completion - encompassing working drawings, specifications, rigorous site supervision and cost control - our methodology is exacting.

In addition, we make extensive use of models in developing a new project. This process is fundamental; it keeps us grounded. We design; computers assist. Technology plays its role but it's never a substitute for the art of space making, the art of building

ian shaw architekten

IAN SHAW

GRAEME RUSSELL