Sound-Collage: Andreas Pasieka

The many facets of textile architecture and the fascination for the constructive equilibrium of forces are the common reference points for the work of Ali Heshmati and Lars Meeß-Olsohn. In encountering organic forms and natural sequences of movement, this team creates temporary light and fabric installations, permanent textile architectures and exhibition structures for conventions and events, always with a specific relation to the location.

They specialise in lightweight constructions in which all of the materials are compiled into a self-stabilising system, i.e., in a combination of tension and pressure (“Tension Continuum”) that forms a structure and shape. This approach allows them to create the impression of weightless constructions. Transparent and semi-transparent materials reinforce the visual balance of materiality and immateriality.

At times some of the textile coverings are replaced by flexible, photovoltaic surfaces for electricity generation. The batteries are integrated into the framework construction, as are possible lighting sources, so that the sculptural character is not distorted by additional technical equipment and the view of the building at night shows the skeleton of the construction much like an x-ray image.

For LichtRouten 2010, Ali Heshmati (architect) and Lars Meeß-Olsohn (lightweight construction) are working together with Philipp Sydow (lighting designer) for the first time. The sound design comes from composer Andreas Pasieka with whom Ali Heshmati and Lars Meess-Olsohn have already worked together several times.

LichtRouten Piece: Dark Halo (Zyklotron)

Inspired by the scientific developments in particle physics and taking its cue from the Large Hadron Collider at the CERN nuclear research centre in Switzerland, Ali Heshmati and Lars Meeß-Olsohn are creating a pneumatic, walk-in sculpture in which visitors take on the role of physical particles. They are working for the first time with lighting designer Philipp Sydow for LichtRouten 2010.

LichtRouten-location: Villa Hueck I Humboldtstraße 36 / Kerksigstraße