A Monument to Conversations
Nebbia has unveiled “Interlude,” a masterful stone installation perched above Lake Wakatipu in Queenstown, New Zealand. This sculptural marvel, part of the national Paererewā programme, promises to endure for a millennium—far surpassing the conversations it invites. Located in Jardine Park, this ambitious project is one of a thousand public seats commissioned to instill permanence across time.
Collaborative Craftsmanship
Interlude’s design centers around a classical conversational chair concept, reimagined in South Island blue stone. This piece consists of two mirrored rock forms, each featuring a carved seat accessible via ascending steps, all joined by a circular portal. This portal serves not only as a visual connection between sitters but also perfectly frames Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables, offering a naturally composed view.
For those interested in how sculpture interacts with natural landscapes, explore Thomas Medicus’s stunning anamorphic sculptures which beautifully connect art with nature.
A Journey to Reflection
The act of reaching the seats is deliberate and ceremonial. As you climb the stairs, the slow ascent provides a moment of pause and reflection before engaging in dialogue. This thoughtful design encourages an unhurried approach, emphasizing the significance of the interaction it fosters.
Precision Meets Tradition
Crafted through a synergy of precision technology and traditional craftsmanship, the project utilized photogrammetry and local stonemasonry. While 3D models guided the layout, a local artisan meticulously shaped the rock, ensuring that both digital precision and human touch are preserved in the final form.
An Invitation to Engage
The directors of Nebbia, Madhav Kidao and Brando Posocco, envision Interlude as more than just a monument. It is a space to inhabit, converse, and reflect—echoing the enduring tradition of passing knowledge through personal exchange in meaningful places. The raw and refined elements of the stone coalesce to create a tactile experience, reminiscent of Delcy Morelos’s approach with Origo at the Barbican, where raw materials invite touch and engagement.
A Legacy of Endurance
Interlude is designed to weather and evolve over the centuries. As sharp edges soften and the stone absorbs countless footsteps, its true testament lies in the conversations it continues to foster. This evolving artwork aligns with the vision behind James Turrell’s Skyspace, where form and meaning shift through continuous interaction.
The concept of stone evolving over time is akin to how Goga Tandashvili’s sculptures transform spaces by integrating time and environment.
A National Commitment
The Paererewā programme underscores a broader initiative to create enduring public works. Backed by STILL’s equity strategy and philanthropic support, half of these works serve local communities and significant sites, ensuring their preservation. Hideaki Fukutake, CEO of STILL, praises Nebbia’s creation for introducing a timeless perspective to New Zealand, hoping it inspires future designs.
A Historic Setting
Interlude’s location is steeped in history, notably as the home of Hakitekura, the first recorded swimmer of Lake Wakatipu’s icy waters. Nebbia’s design respects this rich cultural context, developed in consultation with local iwi and community associates.
An Enduring Invitation
Ultimately, Nebbia’s Interlude is an exploration of time and connection. More than a stone seat, it challenges its visitors: will they ascend its steps and speak to someone across the centuries? Its true legacy lies not in the stone’s longevity, but in its ability to inspire dialogue for generations to come.
Source: urdesignmag.com