Exploring Architecture Through Scent at the Bukhara Biennial
At the heart of the Bukhara Biennial, a series of conical kiosks captures the imagination of visitors with their innovative design. In the historic center of Bukhara, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, these aromatic kiosks transform the conventional experience of a biennial. Commissioned by Gayane Umerova and curated by Diana Campbell, Ariel André of GOLEM designed these structures with one simple goal: to make architecture accessible through the sense of smell.
Harnessing the Heritage of the Spice Kiosks
Drawing inspiration from Uzbekistan’s Silk Road legacy, these kiosks reflect the iconic spice mounds of traditional markets. Their exteriors are spice-infused, showcasing vibrant colors that owe their origins to natural elements: paprika imparts a striking red, dill offers a rich green, black tea adds dark tones, and clover blossoms bring a delicate pink. The architectural design of these kiosks showcases a unique blend of cultural heritage and modern innovation, reflecting Bukhara architecture.
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A Multi-Sensory Encounter
The design’s success is evident in the diverse interactions it inspires. Blind visitors return to identify the kiosks by scent, while local guides entwine stories of medicinal herbs in their tours. Bees settle on clover blossoms, and cats approach the paprika walls after hours. The project shows architecture’s ability to expand who design is for, inviting those typically overlooked to engage in new and meaningful ways.
Organic Furniture Inspired by Microscopic Terrain
GOLEM extends this imaginative process to furniture design with Amoreba. This adaptive surface evolves within rigid interiors, transforming spaces into flexible environments. In a Brussels curator’s home, Amoreba creates a conversation pit, mimicking the undulating surface of a mushroom colony from the perspective of a minuscule forest dweller.
Designing for Diversity and Inclusion
The overarching goal is to craft spaces that resonate with diverse bodies, cultures, and ways of living. This philosophy manifests in a long sofa designed for the Diriyah Biennale Foundation in Riyadh, accommodating a variety of postures and inviting cross-cultural dialogue.
Ariel André, founder of GOLEM, pushes architectural boundaries by integrating marginalized perspectives and unique narratives. His projects, showcased in global venues like the Diriyah Biennale and the Islamic Arts Biennale, redefine how design complements life’s myriad expressions.
Discover how Verona’s Marmomac celebrates stone sculptures that fuse tradition with contemporary design, enriching architectural dialogue worldwide.
GOLEM’s work, presented under the POSTHUMAN UTOPIAS chapter, challenges the convention of anthropocentric design, advocating for a future where architecture is informed by the voices of both human and non-human actors.
Sources & Links
Source: designboom.com
Frequently asked questions
What inspires the design of the conical kiosks at the Bukhara Biennial?
The design of the conical kiosks is inspired by Uzbekistan’s Silk Road legacy and reflects the iconic spice mounds of traditional markets, with exteriors that are spice-infused and showcase vibrant, natural colors.
How do the conical kiosks engage visitors?
The kiosks engage visitors through their aromatic design, which appeals to the sense of smell. Blind visitors identify the kiosks by scent, and local guides incorporate stories of medicinal herbs into their tours.
What is the goal behind the design by Ariel André of GOLEM?
Ariel André of GOLEM aims to make architecture accessible through the sense of smell and to create spaces that resonate with diverse bodies, cultures, and ways of living, integrating marginalized perspectives and unique narratives.
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