Studio 8 ½ has recently presented temporary library inside a traditional hammam, in Plovdiv, Bulgaria

Studio 8 ½: |CON|Temporary Library—
A temporary installation appropriates the space of a 16th century hammam, using a simple wooden structure to transform the former Turkish bath into a library of contemporary art. A news reportfrom Plovdiv

Studio 8 ½ has recently presented temporary library inside a traditionalhammam, in Plovdiv, Bulgaria's second largest city. Titled|CON|Temporary library, this architectural installation contained only books on contemporary art, comprising several informal seating arrangements, bookcases, shelves and a desk nook.

The installation was developed as part of the Urban Dreams contemporary art festival and promoted by the Today Art association, seeking to raise awareness towards possible experimental forms of contemporary art: in this case, the appropriation of a 16th century Turkish bath or hammam, a monument of local importance and one of the few buildings from this period that has been preserved in Plovdiv. The ancient bath currently was transformed into the first, unique and temporary Center for Contemporary Art in Bulgaria.

Considering the building's shape and arrangement, Studio 8 ½ decided to supplement and strengthen its shape by locating the installation in the centre, below the building's main dome. This idea is complimented with a spiral ladder, which allows climbing to a different level. "Visually the whole composition curves around the center and metaphorically and literally climbs to the dome and the sky," state the architects. "The different treatment of the two slopes in plan — for reading and for storage — evoke of the flying clothes of the whirling dervish in the center of the room."


Studio 8 ½, |CON|Temporary Library, temporary library installed in a hammam, Plovdiv, Bulgaria

Built entirely in wood, the installation also comprises a specific and new light installation, focusing on the main elements of the building: the wall niches and the main dome. The colours used for the the cables and pillows were chosen for their association with the colours of the festival. "The entire installation is created with a tremendous respect for its surrounding area, since without it, this effect would not be as strong," state Studio 8 ½.

Studio 8 ½, |CON|Temporary Library, temporary library installed in a hammam, Plovdiv, Bulgaria


Studio 8 ½: |CON|Temporary Library
Concept and design: Studio 8 ½
Duration of the intervention: 20 October — 30 November 2012
Typology: temporary library
Materials: wood

Studio 8 ½, |CON|Temporary Library, temporary library installed in a hammam, Plovdiv, Bulgaria

Studio 8 ½, |CON|Temporary Library, temporary library installed in a hammam, Plovdiv, Bulgaria

Studio 8 ½, |CON|Temporary Library, temporary library installed in a hammam, Plovdiv, Bulgaria

Studio 8 ½, |CON|Temporary Library, temporary library installed in a hammam, Plovdiv, Bulgaria

http://www.domusweb.it/en/news/studio-8-contemporary-library-/