OUT OF ARCHITECTURE
THE 50TH YEAR OF ARNE JACOBSEN'S ST CATHERINE'S COLLEGE
The principal behind ‘Out of Architecture’ is to celebrate the uniqueness of St Catherine’s. Seldom has a piece of architecture been so whole-heartedly designed from the macro to micro scale. Recognised by critic Nikolaus Pevsner in his ‘Buildings of England’ as a 'perfect piece of architecture’ it was one of the first post-war buildings to be Grade 1 listed in 1993. The exhibition acknowledges the inherent interplay between architect and furniture. The rigour of the architecture defines the context into which the furniture is placed. Each strengthening the other in a coherent spatial experience.
The exhibition design reflects the rhythm of St Catherine’s Library in repeated shelving units (that exist as both furniture and an extension of the architecture). They act as an expression of Jacobsen’s geometries to cradle and display is furniture. Surrounding galleries display products from contemporary Danish designers, many of which are inspired by Arne Jacobsen’s legacy. The whole ensemble acts as a play on the library as a space to learn, study and discover anew, the very fundamentals of a University.
Arup, London (25 June-6 July 2012)
Displayed at Arup, in London, the exhibition acknowledges the role of celebrated engineer Ove Arup, who was involved in the nomination of Jacobsen as architect of the new college and became its consulting engineer. The opening coincided with the London Festival of Architecture. The festival was part of both the British Council’s International Showcase and the Mayor’s Cultural Olympiad coinciding with the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
St Catherine’s College, Oxford (6-23 September 2012)
The exhibition in St Catherine’s College library was the focus of events organised to celebrate its fiftieth anniversary. Acting as a ‘satellite’ site for the London Design Festival the exhibition also contributed to the last couple of weeks of the British Council’s International Showcase and the Mayor’s Cultural Olympiad coinciding with the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.