A R A S T A
I AM A MONUMENT!
PRIZREN, KOSOVO
August 2015
I AM A MONUMENT! is about the Prizren historic center, respectively the Arasta (new) Bridge, lately known as KFOR Bridge. The program adresses the node that connects the center with the rest of the city. In contrast to previous proposals of local authorities, the design is notable by a strong intervention, with such a kind of macro sculpture conceived as an depiction and qualification element of the city, respectively of the (old) Bridge.
This proposal aims to restore the Arasta Bridge physically, through phantom volumetry of the old covered bridge (according the etymology of word Arasta- from Persian-covered), while the bazaar function through "artisans homage" - an installation dedicated to disappearing artisans.
The bridge covered by a pergola, build of light plastic tubes, is designed as an artificial element - an reduced interpretation of Arasta’s volumetry (old), and is subject to the geometry laws to maximize structural boundaries. It stands in direct comparison with spontaneity and the silhouette of the old city. A continuous path, a straight line of about 30 meters, takes three-dimensional evocation with the "portal" presence set of the tubes thus becoming a kind of open tunnel, as evident from the vicinity - so invisible from a distance, that unites and divides the city into two parts just like the old bridge did.
Our society today has become blind towards values. The statement I AM A MONUMENT! is a civic call to open eyes against the harsh reality, it is a sign of time to act.
Finally, I AM A MONUMENT! also highlights dualism represented through shape and material. Form / volume through simplicity tends to bring attention to a good memory / former Arasta / while material / PVC / through it’s complexity speaks itself for the darkness and the bitter reality that overlies the city. Duality continues with the absence of craftsmen and the presence of crafts. And it can continue with many other things.
This project is homage to the disappearing historic center, the pride of Prizren, about it’s bridges and everything beautiful this part of the city once housed inside, and today no longer exists.
I AM A MONUMENT!
PRIZREN, KOSOVO
August 2015
I AM A MONUMENT! is about the Prizren historic center, respectively the Arasta (new) Bridge, lately known as KFOR Bridge. The program adresses the node that connects the center with the rest of the city. In contrast to previous proposals of local authorities, the design is notable by a strong intervention, with such a kind of macro sculpture conceived as an depiction and qualification element of the city, respectively of the (old) Bridge.
This proposal aims to restore the Arasta Bridge physically, through phantom volumetry of the old covered bridge (according the etymology of word Arasta- from Persian-covered), while the bazaar function through "artisans homage" - an installation dedicated to disappearing artisans.
The bridge covered by a pergola, build of light plastic tubes, is designed as an artificial element - an reduced interpretation of Arasta’s volumetry (old), and is subject to the geometry laws to maximize structural boundaries. It stands in direct comparison with spontaneity and the silhouette of the old city. A continuous path, a straight line of about 30 meters, takes three-dimensional evocation with the "portal" presence set of the tubes thus becoming a kind of open tunnel, as evident from the vicinity - so invisible from a distance, that unites and divides the city into two parts just like the old bridge did.
Our society today has become blind towards values. The statement I AM A MONUMENT! is a civic call to open eyes against the harsh reality, it is a sign of time to act.
Finally, I AM A MONUMENT! also highlights dualism represented through shape and material. Form / volume through simplicity tends to bring attention to a good memory / former Arasta / while material / PVC / through it’s complexity speaks itself for the darkness and the bitter reality that overlies the city. Duality continues with the absence of craftsmen and the presence of crafts. And it can continue with many other things.
This project is homage to the disappearing historic center, the pride of Prizren, about it’s bridges and everything beautiful this part of the city once housed inside, and today no longer exists.
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