Analysis Of Pavilion Les Voûtes Filantes By Atelier Yok Yok

Les Voûtes Filantes is an installation piece that was produced by Atelier Yok Yok, a creative workshop of Architect-engineers at the Cahors Cathedral in the City of Cahors in France. This installation pavilion was held at the Festival Juin Jardins Cahors 2015. The installation was constructed with strings stretched around arched rod framework to create a semi-transparent pathway of a garden. The creative group uses string to create some enclosed pathways within the central gardens within the Cahors Cathedral.

Materials

The installation is created with vivid indigo string and metal frames. The string that is used is made of cotton string that is stretched into what seems like a semi-transparent passageway. Cotton fiber has tensile properties which means that it has the ability to withstand tension and will not lose strength of the material. Along with the cotton fiber, metal frames are used to provide the installation with a sense of form and shape. The pathway is created as the tensile string is wrapped around the metal frames to create a sense of direction. These passageways direct individuals throughout the central garden and attract individuals with the vivid indigo string used to create pathways.

Geometry

The geometry of Les Voûtes Filantes is related to the context of the Cathedral. The Cahors Cathedral is from the 16th century and architecture of that time was held strong importance religious elements in the architecture. During the 16th century, the architecture of that time valued gothic architecture. The architects used elements of gothic architecture into the installation. The architects used selective types of arches that were primary elements used within the era of gothic architecture. The thin metal frames were created into semicircular arch, orgee arch, and also lancet arch to place a parallel with the Cahors Cathedral. The metal arches were wrapped around thin strings to produce a linear passageway surrounding the garden of the Cathedral.

Structural system/ Detail

According to Atelier Yok Yok, the whole concept of the installation was creating a cryptic-like experience within the gardens. This sense of intrigue was done through tensile string wrapped over sturdy metal throughout the installation. This pavilion uses very simple material like intense indigo string and bent metal and yet, the material transforms a garden into a striking pathway that intrigues individuals to be directed throughout the Cathedral. It’s the elements of this installation that attract individuals towards the installation. This pavilion uses very simple material like vivid indigo string and bent metal and yet, the material transforms a garden into a striking pathway that intrigues individuals to be directed throughout the Cathedral. As mentioned before, cotton fiber, is a very tensile material which means that when stretched to create a form, it allows the force of tension. The arch frames are a compressive form.

Since Arches are compressive structures, they are very stable in built and preventing forces of compression. The stresses of the string and the compressive force of the arch balance the installation structure and therefore, the form reaches equilibrium. Due to the string’s tensile property, it prevents the force of gravity from exerting effect on the structure. The cotton string is tightly bound to the metal frame so that it prevents force of gravity and wind loads to disjoint the installation. The climate of Cahors consists of humid summers and murky winters but since the installation was placed during the summer, the wind loads are not severe

Summary and project statement

What makes Les Voûtes Filantes an intriguing installation is the use of simple materials that create a new perceived space. This installation acts as a source of inspiration is the idea that it provides individuals a sense of direction.

One of the objectives of our bus shelter needs is a way to direct individuals towards High Park using elements and materials to create form that elevates the surrounding area. Atelier Yok Yok really produce a form that engages the views are provides an entwined experience within its site.

Although the art installation uses eclectic materials and colors, the pavilion really heightens the experience of the viewer without overpowering the site of the installation. To reiterate, Les Voûtes Filantes acts as an inspiration because of its ability to attract and elevate the site of its inhabitancy.