Vancouver-based Revery Architecture has designed an interactive installation for the 2021 London Design Biennale, representing the world’s willingness to “bend” to the ever-growing energy demands of mechanical systems in our buildings.
The temporary installation is entitled DUCkT and represents Canada at the London Design Biennale, held at Somerset House.
At the DUCkT installation, visitors encounter two massive metal air ducts that cross over the gallery. The size is deliberately exaggerated, and the ducts are coated in a reflective golden aluminium to allow visitors to “see themselves” in the reflection.
Photos: Canada’s entry at London Design Biennale
The installation forces visitors to duck beneath, touch, hear and feel the “ducts” — the systems in modern buildings that keep us warm and cool — but that are also responsible for acoustic pollution and account for 12 per cent of global CO2 emissions, a figure that is expected to rise to 80 per cent by 2050.
Revery wanted to highlight Canada’s reliance on artificial heating and cooling.
“The fact that DUCkT is an interactive installation and forces audiences to physically mimic our message will provoke visitors to engage with the subject in a truly thought-provoking and impactful way,” says Venelin Kokalov, curator of DUCkT and principal of Revery Architecture. “In representing Canada at the London Design Biennale, Revery aims to further London Biennale’s Artistic Director Es Delvin’s goal of catalyzing deeper conversations around issues of global importance while raising uncomfortable questions to address complex challenges and provoke change in the right direction.”
DUCkT can be seen at Somerset House during the London Design Biennale until June 27, 2021.
