MY WAY TO AIPF

DISTINCTIONS

Horst Witthueser AIPS

I submitted my Associate level assessment panel to the RPS on June this year. Unfortunately, it was not accepted.

Although the panel was praised for its presentation, technical deficiencies were criticized: “The assessors applauded the interesting and novel idea, they also commended the applicant on the Statement of Intent, which was accurately reflected in the submitted images. It was interesting to see a mix of the literal and the abstract which was commented on by several assessors. Despite this variation, the presentation was seen as cohesive and consistent. The balance of the images was similarly favorably commented on, and the transition from the blue images on the top row to the amber images in the middle and bottom rows was also appreciated. Whilst the applicant clearly demonstrated an individual vision and a sound aesthetic awareness, concerns were raised about certain technical issues. (halo, over sharpening) There is much to admire in this submission, but it is important that the highlighted technical weaknesses are addressed.”

This disappointed me greatly, as I had placed my emphasis on the coherence and expressiveness of the statement and panel.

The technical refinement was only of limited importance to me.

Therefore I decided to stay true on my course, make the statement even more precise and submit the new panel (new arrangement and exchange of 2 photos) to the Irish Photographic Foundation (IPF the pendant to the RPS in Ireland).

And there I was successful: the panel's expressiveness was rated much higher than its technical perfection.

Now to the actual subject of the photographic panel!

24 hours a day, 7 days a week, the 40 motorway chapels dotted around Germany motorways offer the traveller the opportunity to stop and rest. A particularly attractive one is the chapel"Siegerland" in Germany. The bright white, polygonal facade of this motorway chapel catches the eye from afar. As a pictorial wooden structure, it defies the noisy surroundings of a hotel, a fast-food restaurant,a petrol station and even a gambling casino.

The architects’ design

The architects’ design is based on the simple pictogram of a church, which is considered to be the standard signposting for motorway chapels. This three-dimensional implementation presents itself as a stylized white silhouette both towards the motorway and the service area. In contrast to the factual outer form, the interior is made of simple wood and symbolizes warmth and shelter.

The filigree, wooden inner dome conveys a sense of security; it opens onto the altar area, which appears almost de-materialised due to its white design.

Basically, the chapel has square walls, but all that curved timber causes the semi-circular interiors. Light falls through the two spires of the tower into the church space in such a way that one experiences a different inviting atmosphere at any time of the day.

The calm atmosphere is supported by the seats, tables and knee-boards, which are all made of the same wood as the beams.

STATEMENT OF INTENT

A very special motorway chapel

Motorway chapels are quite common in Germany. Most of them are built in a traditional style like small churches, but a few fall out of this concept.

One of these special chapels is presented here. I invite you to join me on my tour and get an impression of the exterior and interior of this chapel. Approaching the chapel, one is struck by a white, geometric exterior almost in origami style.

On entering, one senses a very calming atmosphere due to the interior wooden construction.

Truck drivers and business travellers - all can escape the busy motorway to come to rest in this cosy building. The filigree, wooden interior dome conveys a sense of security - it opens up to the altar area, which appears almost dematerialized by its pure white design.

All photos were taken in natural light to preserve this intimate atmosphere. My panel shows the contrast between the clean straight edges outside and the symmetrically stretched arches inside.