Ein
Maß-Variationen zu Idealstadtgrundrissen (A measure - Variations on ideal city plans) - 1995
Wood, Laquer, Chalk, 8 configurations, each containing 20 measured-units 40x4x1 cm. 1995
Ein Maß—Variationen zu Idealstadtgrundrissen (A Measure—Variations on Ideal City Plans). Its basis is a preoccupation with plans for ideal cities by Filarete, Claude Nicolas Ledoux, Paul Wolf, among others, whose projects depict utopic concepts concerning world models, with detailed attention to social hierarchies and political ideologies. The artist chooses a section of one ideal city and draws it on the floor with chalk. This section thus represents the plan as a whole. With the help of Ein Maß, a tool consisting of 20 measured units fastened together, similar to a folding rule, variations on the historic ideal city plans are „laid out.” After each variation is completed, the distinguishing feature of the variation is printed on the last measuring unit used, for example „ ohne Zentrum,“ (without Center). Each new layout brings with it a new imprint, so that the wooden measuring units collect as a kind of archive. The spine of each unit used is marked with the name of the original plan, for example, „Wolfs Stadt“ (Wolf’s City). Leaning against the wall, the measuring units look like files or books which reveal their contents only when opened and used. Ein Maß demonstrates how other’s concepts are transformed through new variations, so that meaning and content is continually extended and renewed. (Katja Reich)
Designs for Ideal Cities (Selection):
Sforzina by Filarete, Mid 15th century
Cityplan by Francesco die Giorgio Martin, Ende 15. Jh.
Cityplan by Daniel Speckle, Mitte 16. Jh.
Chaux by Claude Nicolas Ledoux, around 1770
Queen Victoria Town by Robert Pemberton, 1854
City by Paul Wolf 1919
City by Ernst Gloeden, 1923
Auroville, ca 1965
City by Paolo Soleri, 1969