Coop Himmelb(l)au The Long Thin Yellow Legs of Architecture (1988)

Until well into the 1988s, Coop Himmelb(l)au worked in deconstructivism, for which this image is exemplary: not seeking harmony and synthesis, but rather fragmentation, chaos, contrast and movement in the design. The duo designed the sculpture as part of the 'Pictures in the city' project in XNUMX. The sketch was created in one short moment during the design process. Coop Himmelb(l)au's deliberately chosen intuitive working method results in expressive designs for buildings and sculptures, including the sculpture made for Rotterdam. The Long Thin Yellow Legs of Architecture. Originally the work was to be placed in front of café De Unie on the Westersingel, but the work was too large. It is an open construction of sheet steel and beams. The materials derived from the functional construction contrast with the elaboration, which is emphatically non-functional. In this way of working, the architects suggest a lightness of the image that cannot be reconciled with the format. The use of color also contributes to this: the heavy, steel beams and plates are largely painted in light colors such as yellow, white and azure blue. For more information: Sculpture International Rotterdam