The pavilion, which is located in Middelheim Park, is designed to exhibit three works of art by Berlinde de Bruyckere. This Belgian artist chose to exhibit two installations and one painting. The design of this pavilion was made based on these artworks.Starting from a rectangular grid, walls and columns were added to form rooms where each piece of art can reach its fullest potential. As you can see, the design is made entirely of concrete. Except for one 'distinction'. To create depth and a relationship between the design and its surroundings, I chose to add wood in the very bottom part of the pavilion. This forms a path that leads you from one side of the pavilion to the other.
The essential roof rests on all the outer walls and columns, but not on the 2 diagonal inner walls. These seem solid but at the same time fragile because no roof is allowed to rest on them, which is the opposite of what a wall normally should be able to endure. As Berlinde also shows in her works, everything is fragile.
(right) The first installation with branches reflects the fragility of every living object and being. The branches look as if they might break at any moment, they seem cherished lying on a cushion and hanging from fine strings. This feeling is reinforced by the surrounding walls and columns. The whole project also forms a unity with the trees that surround the pavilion.
(middle) The painting exhibited in the 'heart' of the pavilion is from the 'dekenmensen' collection. The blankets cover, but also 'protect' the people. This feeling is reinforced when you stand in this space while looking at the painting. Because of the enclosure and the diagonal walls, it is on the one hand a covered space but because of the seclusion it also protects you on the other hand.
(left) If you leave the "heart" of the pavilion, you enter a large open space where you have a direct view of the third work. This work depicts a helpless body that gives you the urge to want to help and protect it, however, this is not possible because it is stuck in a display case. To view the artwork from the other entrance, you will have to go deeper into the pavilion.
