Architectural Cases

Artist Thomas Medicus has created an innovative anamorphic and kinetic art piece named 'Coopparatus', which employs mechanical motion and precise alignment to unveil a series of four distinct images. This work marks a new direction in the artist's practice, utilizing central perspective for its fragmented imagery, thereby encouraging viewers to approach the installation more closely and interact with it on a deeper spatial level.

At the heart of 'Coopparatus' is a cubic structure, meticulously fashioned from 144 vertical glass strips and encased within a transparent shell. These strips bear fragmented depictions of four images. With each 90-degree rotation of the cube, a specific image coalesces into a comprehensible form, thanks to its central perspectival arrangement. As the cube transitions between these fixed points, the images fragment, appearing as a dynamic cluster of visual shards. The rotation itself is controlled by a geared motor driving a turntable. The indexing system ensures a measured pace: the structure gracefully slows, pauses, and then resumes its movement after every quarter turn. This rhythmic mechanical progression choreographs the viewer's journey through the artwork, dictating the emergence and disappearance of the visuals.

The installation showcases four representations of hands, arranged in complementary pairs that share identical silhouettes. One pair features a hand gathering mushrooms, directly contrasted by a hand that has become a living substrate, overgrown with bracket fungi. Another pair juxtaposes a hand grasping an amethyst with its petrified counterpart, adorned with garnets. Each set of images maintains identical outlines while portraying opposing thematic conditions, further emphasizing the transient nature of perception and the subjective experience of viewing art.

This thought-provoking installation underscores that seeing is an active and conditional process. It encourages observers to consider not merely what they perceive, but how that perception is constructed. The artwork's ability to clarify images only from specific angles, often requiring a single-eyed view, profoundly illustrates the conditions that shape our vision. The visible mechanics of the piece further dissolve the barrier between object and observer, demonstrating that the clarity of the image is intrinsically linked to the viewer's position and interaction within the space. Through 'Coopparatus,' Medicus challenges us to reflect on the apparatuses, both internal and external, that govern what becomes visible and what remains hidden, highlighting that true recognition stems from precise alignment, while all other perspectives lead to fragmentation and abstraction.

London's distinguished Barbican Centre, an exemplar of Brutalist architecture, is embarking on an extensive £231 million revitalization. This significant undertaking has received official planning clearance, signifying a new chapter for the cultural institution. The project aims to rejuvenate the Grade II-listed landmark, ensuring its continued prominence as a leading arts venue. The extensive refurbishment will involve a temporary closure of the Barbican Centre from June 2028 to summer 2029, allowing for crucial upgrades and enhancements to be completed.

This ambitious renewal effort is spearheaded by a consortium of renowned firms, including Allies and Morrison, Asif Khan Studio, and Buro Happold. Their collaborative vision is to honor the Barbican's unique architectural legacy while integrating modern amenities and sustainable practices. The renovation is designed to tackle the challenges posed by nearly five decades of operation, addressing infrastructure wear and tear, and improving overall functionality and visitor experience. The City of London Corporation has committed substantial funding to this project, underscoring its importance to the city's cultural landscape.

The Barbican's Grand Transformation Plan

The Barbican Centre, a celebrated Brutalist icon in London, is poised for a major £231 million overhaul, with planning permission now secured. This extensive renovation, led by the collaborative efforts of Allies and Morrison, Asif Khan Studio, and Buro Happold, seeks to breathe new life into the Grade II-listed structure. The project is a critical response to the building's advancing age and the need to upgrade its infrastructure to meet contemporary standards. This strategic renewal is designed to preserve the Barbican's distinctive architectural character while preparing it for future generations of cultural engagement.

The comprehensive "Barbican Renewal Programme" will encompass various aspects of the complex, including the restoration and reimagining of key public areas such as the dramatic foyers, the scenic lakeside terrace, and the landmark Conservatory. Crucially, vital infrastructure will be modernized to enhance accessibility, sustainability, and creative flexibility. Within the Conservatory, specific efforts will address long-standing maintenance issues and improve accessibility, alongside the introduction of a climate-controlled environment to protect its diverse plant collection. New lifts and stairs will provide improved access to various sections of the Centre, ensuring an inclusive experience for all visitors. Furthermore, the renovation will introduce new public amenities, including a multi-faith room and expanded bathroom facilities, reflecting a commitment to enhanced visitor comfort and convenience. The design approach emphasizes conservation, with elements like Conservatory glass and existing paving materials being reused to minimize environmental impact and maintain architectural integrity.

Temporary Closure and Continued Cultural Engagement

The Barbican Centre's significant renovation will necessitate a temporary closure from late June 2028 to summer 2029. This year-long period will facilitate the most intensive phase of construction and allow for major upgrades to be carried out safely and efficiently. While most of the Barbican's spaces and programming will be paused during this time, efforts are being made to minimize disruption to London's cultural scene and to the local residential community.

During the temporary closure, the Barbican cinemas located on Beech Street will remain operational, providing a continuous cinematic offering. The surrounding residential estate will also continue to function as usual, ensuring that residents are not unduly affected by the construction works. In a move to sustain cultural activity, the Barbican institution plans to collaborate closely with partner organizations, such as the London Symphony Orchestra and the Royal Shakespeare Company. These partnerships will ensure that various cultural events and performances continue to be accessible across London throughout the renovation period. This strategic approach aims to keep the spirit of the Barbican alive and engaged with its audience, even as its physical structure undergoes a transformative renewal in anticipation of its fiftieth anniversary in 2032.