ETALAB - Extra-Terrestrial Architecture Laboratory
Tate in Space architecture competition entry.
Unlike current galleries on earth, Tate in Space will exist in micro-gravity with the possibility of introducing artificial gravity. Liberated from the need for conventional architectural elements such as floors and staircases, movement of people will be three dimensional, omni-directional and fluid. This will create a dynamic new physical and temporal relationship where people, artworks and architecture interact in zones of zero and partial gravity.
Extra-Terrestrial Architecture Laboratory (ETALAB) is an innovative architectural office specialising in the design and implementation of real and virtual high-technology environments.
ETALAB believes in the rational application of new materials and technologies. Through a rigorous and creative design process we seek to infuse each project with meaningful and memorable spatial experiences. Pushing existing boundaries and offering more than the sum of the parts must be our aspiration for new architecture in the 21st century. In tandem, the programme, cost, environmental sustainability, energy consciousness and user requirements of every project are seen as a source of inspiration.
ETALAB was founded by Opher Elia-Shaul and Danielle Tinero and is based in London and New York.
Computer renderings in collaboration with Virtual Artworks, interactive model in collaboration with Terraswarm.
Tate in Space is designed to respond to the environment of outer space and to the unpredictable needs of artists, curators and visitors engaged with post-millennial extra-terrestrial art. For example it is unlikely that paintings or sculptures as we currently know them would be displayed there.
The initial phase of construction proposes a 4.5 x 9 metre module, similar to NASA's existing TransHab, that plugs into the ISS. Its presence established, Tate's first projects will be relayed live to earth via webcam. At a later stage its building components, comprising smart materials developed by NASA, will be sent up by shuttle in compacted form, folding out to much larger dimensions upon arrival.
source: tate.org.uk