Gesamtkunstwerk on the Utrechtse Heuvelrug

guest lecture Teske van Royen and Ingeborg Meulendijks A former arboretum has been transformed into a contemporary country estate with a villa surrounded by its impressive trees. The present landscape elements are articulated in the composition of the villa and its garden. The villa's use of materials is unambiguous. Masonry facades of red bricks in many shapes, a copper cover, dark steel window frames and grey wooden columns. The masonry exhibits the richness that is possible in one single material in one color, composing a subtle play of proportions, detailing and refinement. The result is a contemporary, classical villa, which in terms of design and tonality blends into its wooded surroundings. During the design process the idea took hold to commission glasswork and textile art for the villa. Artist Ingeborg Meulendijks was selected and a rich collaboration between artist and architect ensued. The artworks forge a close connection with the architectural object designed for this site, with its vistas of landmark trees and the changing light, as well as with the scale and substance of individual rooms. The artwork softens the architecture and imparts meaning. This lecture tells the story about the making of this villa, from sketch to the result. It is a story of how an intensive collaboration with several designers, artists and the executing parties can make a true 'Gesamtkunstwerk

Gastdocent

11/29/2021 7:25:55 AM