Casa Destruct
123Noto, Japan
Home is where one feels a sense of belonging and attachment, often in the physical form of a house. This sense of attachment transforms the ephemeral idea of home into a tangible shape, turning the state of being into a state of having.
In catastrophic events like earthquakes or tsunamis, the physical manifestation of our homes — And the emotions and memories they harbour — Becomes fragile. Everything we’ve built our lives around can be destroyed in an instant, leaving behind ruinations.
According to Erich Fromm’s statement, after such an impact, the shattered remnants of a house lose their value in terms of having. The deeper question then arises: Can any being — The intangible essence of value — Survive within the ruins, despite the degree of destruction?
Casa Destruct explores the notion, replicating the aftermath of a home belonging to anonymous hosts, left in ruins after an unknown catastrophe. The remains, Casa Destruct, provoke us to reflect on life in this simulated state of destruction. Does the ghost or being of the home endure, defending the idea that a certain matter lingers (Or retains) or is even revived after the destruction of its physical form… Or is everything lost when the house collapses?
Context:
The concept of home transcends mere physical structures; it embodies a profound sense of belonging and attachment. For many, home is not just a location but a repository of memories, emotions, and identity. This emotional connection transforms the abstract notion of home into tangible forms—Houses that serve as vessels for our experiences and relationships. However, this fragile sense of security can be shattered by catastrophic events such as earthquakes or tsunamis. These disasters can devastate our physical spaces, leaving behind ruins that symbolise the loss of our emotional anchors. The vulnerability of our homes reflects the precarious nature of our attachments, raising questions about what remains when the physical manifestations of home are destroyed.
Concept:
Drawing on Erich Fromm's philosophical ideas, the aftermath of such disasters can be seen as a transformation from "being" to "having." When homes are reduced to mere shells, they lose their essence and become nihilistic representations of what once was. This prompts a critical inquiry: even in the face of destruction, do any values or aspects of being endure? Casa Destruct explores this dichotomy by examining the remnants of homes that have suffered catastrophic damage. It challenges the notion that physical destruction equates to the complete loss of identity and belonging. Instead, it posits that there may be an intrinsic value or aura associated with these remnants that persists despite their dilapidated state.
Process:
Casa Destruct aims to replicate the aftermath of a home following an unknown catastrophe. This process involves creating a simulated environment that reflects the state of ruination experienced by these structures. Through careful design and curation, the project seeks to evoke the emotional weight of loss while simultaneously inviting reflection on resilience and continuity. Participants will engage with these remnants, exploring their narratives and the emotions they evoke. This experiential approach allows individuals to dwell within this simulated state of destruction, encouraging them to confront their perceptions of home and belonging in the face of loss.
Production:
The production phase involves both artistic and architectural elements to bring Casa Destruct to life. Artists and designers will collaborate to construct an immersive installation that captures the essence of a ruined home. This may include using reclaimed materials, soundscapes that evoke memories, and visual elements that highlight both destruction and beauty. The goal is to create a space where visitors can interact with the remnants—touching, observing, and reflecting on what these fragments signify. By engaging with Casa Destruct, participants will be invited to consider whether the spirit or "ghost" of a home can indeed survive its physical demise and what lessons can be gleaned from such experiences about resilience, memory, and identity in the face of overwhelming loss.
Experience:
Visitors are immersed in the echoes of a once-vibrant home, where the remnants of laughter and love intertwine with the starkness of loss. As they navigate through peeling walls and broken windows, they are invited to reflect on what remains when everything falls away. This space challenges them to confront their attachments and consider the enduring spirit of home, revealing that even in destruction, there exists a haunting beauty and a profound connection to our shared humanity.
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Client:
PMQ, CCIDAHK
Occasion:
deTour Design Festival 2024
Typology:
Pavilion, Installation Art
Status:
Completion
Location:
PMQ, Hong Kong
Duration:
2024
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Project Team:
Anthony Ko
Fabrication:
DAZED
Construction:
DAZED
Photo Courtesy:
Chan Kit
Videography:
Anthony Ko
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