IKEA |Lissitzky’s
Levitational Fields
"The purpose of architecture is to transmute the emptiness into space, that is into something which our minds can grasp as an organized unity." –
El Lissitzky
IKEA experiments and designs with geometries and forms, composing them in different iterations to form multiple elements and spaces. Scaling up this idea to architectural and interior spaces, inspirations have been derived from the works of Russian suprematist, El Lissitzky and his PROUN spaces and paintings. Much like IKEA, Lissitzky believes that space is built for human beings, not human beings for space.
PROUN is a series of artworks forming compositions and interaction between geometrical forms in a space where Lissitzky establishes a connection between them to derive 3-dimensional spaces.
The entire site has been interpreted as a space where various forms come to interact with one another forming various kinds of spaces. The workstations are encompassed inside a black cube which houses the existing structure while bridges connect it to a tilted red cube which represents newness and togetherness. Another connection leads to a triple-height display system, displaying the classic chairs of IKEA. All spaces have been derived with reference to the existing system, complementing its character.
Where the PROUN brings different geometries to interact, IKEA brings them together through a modular system of elements. As also quoted by IKEA - "The journey is as important as the destination.", one gets a new experience at every transition while following a constant set of elements.
Tale of 2 squares (1920) Parallels from Artists and their artworks Artworks from the 7 works of zero category PROUN Room PROUN 19D (1922)Stage 1
Translating El lissitzky’s artworks to create a PROUN - inspired space by introducing various shapes and forms inside the record room.
The amalgamation of these forms floating in a space, give a different experience in every volume, enhancing the character of each one.
Rotation of cube at various angles to create a functional space with
Transformation of Lissitzky’s shapes into volumes to achieve a functional composition.
indoor-outdoor
Lissitzky’s artworks were translated into the architectural context in form of levitational cubes, interconnected to one another through bridges. The rotation and level of cube were derived based on the function in an office space. Subsequently, the junctions and pivot points formed by the arrangement of these elements were worked out to add another layer of geometry.
The furniture layout has been done with projections from the primary geometry, retaining the existing structure. Afterwards , the connection and furniture details were designed by a kit of parts, followed throughout the interior space, bringing harmony in the space.
The State record room in Vadodara has been re-purposed as an IKEA office. The existing building houses an independent metal structure throughout the building carrying old records. Metaphorically, the modular system of the structure can be seen as a kind of Lego where elements can be rearranged and taken out without affecting their surroundings.
The individual spaces are designed using a kit of parts customized according to the function. The flooring, the railing, the amphitheater steps of the red cube, and the furniture, follow a similar set of components and joineries, bringing uniformity to the entire building.
Existing Site
Relationship between existing and new intervention
Stage 1- Existing Site
Stage 2 - Retained v/s new intervention
Stage 3 - Red cube as a force of change
Stage 4 - Introducing new structure within the shell
Stage 5 - Development of connections
Stage 6 - Establishing inside-outside relationship
Stage 7 - Vertical Circulation inspired by PROUN
Stage 8 - Contrast between old and new
Stage 9 - Volumetric development of courtyard
Stage 10 - Building the programme
Stage 11 - Interior details integrating IKEA and Lissitzky
Stage 12 - Contrast to building envelope through materials
First Floor Plan - The intersections of different forms add another layer of geometry
Existing structure
Lighting
Existing Structure
Display System for the classic chairs of IKEA, retaining the existing structure
Volumes and cubes creating drama in the space
Central System with a triple height display system housing IKEA chairs
Lighting and display detail
Oak wood
IKEA light
Metal pipes using the technique of metal insertion Metal grating
Details inspired from PROUN artwork and IKEA design concepts
height entrance plaza peeping from the front facade to engage attention
Existing metal grid