A memorial of movement and memory
At the stunning Palais du Pharo in Marseille, the “Mar Nostro” installation by UV Lab emerges as a poignant tribute to the Mediterranean Sea. Composed of 486 meticulously hand-folded metal panels, the structure reflects centuries of migration and cultural exchange, honoring lives lost in crossings. This site-specific work invites introspection within its open, porous design, where shifting light and shadows evoke thoughts on movement and belonging.
Craftsmanship and collaboration
While rooted in advanced parametric design, each piece of “Mar Nostro” was assembled by hand, fostering a collaborative process with the Cascadeurs and Cascadeuses of the Cité des Arts de la Rue. This construction journey transcended mere building, transforming the site into a place of engagement and interaction. The work questions historical ideas of ownership, echoing Mare Nostrum — the Roman term for “our sea” — and recalling the hybrid Lingua Franca shared across ancient Mediterranean ports.
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A sculptural landscape defined by light
From afar, “Mar Nostro” suggests the silhouette of a ship’s hull, a shell, or a makeshift shelter. Its faceted geometry captures and refracts light, forming framed vistas of Marseille and the expansive Mediterranean. With no central axis or dominant facade, the installation opens towards Africa, Asia, and Europe, symbolizing the Mediterranean’s historical role as a bridge for diverse cultures.
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Celebrating Marseille’s multicultural essence
For UV Lab, the Mediterranean represents a living archive of shared narratives. In Marseille, a city steeped in the history of migration, “Mar Nostro” stands as a monument to diversity and coexistence. The installation proposes architecture as a boundary-less arena, embracing constant change as visitors and light weave past and through its structure.
Sources & Links
Source: designboom.com