Edyta Augustynowicz

The system of the arch was inspired by the form and structural concept of traditional wooden Chinese bridges, where seemingly unstable elements create a stable construction by mutual relations. Basic module consists of 2 self-supporting strings, that are arranged in two different layers and glued together. Similarly to Chinese bridges, this typical scissor element is unstable if left alone, however supported in 3rd dimension by the precedent and following layers, creates a stiff structure. This simple idea allows a considerable flexibility in formation of the spatial effect. The arch was divided structurally into 3 parts, that all together work in a bridge-like way – 2 extreme ones are rigid and support perforated middle one. Spatially, the object has the form of a dome with low and shifted entrances, that clearly divide the space into the inside and the outside. According to various functions and methods of experiencing, the inside and outside surfaces were treated differently, encouraging user to different forms of interaction - the former is diversified and intriguing, while the latter is welcoming and leading. As a consequence of the structural concept, in the middle part of the structure there are elliptical openings, that introduce light into the inside, making the ambient effect even stronger.