
Layering the public space – FLORLENS
Author names: Marija Milas, Lucija Nemeth
Instagram accounts: @mil__mares, @lucija_nemeth
Public space as the main feature of the city is the theme of this project. It is a square, an ephemeral landmark, a travelling gallery that exhibits art but also the architecture and history of the city itself.The statue of David is embraced by an amoeba like structure which is supported by freestanding elements on a square grid floor as an homage to the Florentine studios Archizoom and Superstudio.
These layers can act independently in the process of successive construction in these rapidly changing times. The steel structure allows it to be easily removed and potentially relocated, leaving behind a renovated Piazzale Michelangelo as an important urban and historic element for the city of Florence.
The exhibition contains three layers that act like different lenses, allowing different views of art: the projections and holograms on the ground floor, as an ever-changing and flexible exhibition, the exhibition on the elevated promenade that is adapted in its form, capturing the best views of the cityand the camera obscura capsules which offer different points of view of the statue.
Lastly, there is a message and a symbolic aspect trying to be conveyed. As we are in a time many wish will soon be over, the capsules represent a place for contemplation and peace. They are a voluntary escape to the isolation while the square grid on the floor that respects social distancing will remain as a subtle reminder for the future.