ARCHITECTURAL STACKED GLASS ARTWORK

We discern IN NATURE as an architectural sculpture. It is architectural because it is not a temporary piece of art but a central element of the main foyer of the university. It was developed in response to and in collaboration with the principal architect and planned to suit the features of the building and become one of its permanent structures. Thus, a careful calculation was carried out to ensure the safety and durability of the construction. It is a three-dimensional, site-specific artwork made to catch the eye of the typical passer-by: a tired, hard-working student of natural sciences, and, for a brief moment, takes them into a magical pine tree forest, which relaxes, revives and inspires.

 

Thus, we had the task of designing a central piece of art for a place where the next generations of natural scientists would be educated. We had to devote it to them essentially: as a source for their pleasure during breaks, their pride upon their arrival and haven from the loaded daily schedule. And, because nature is the only single phenomenon that combines all of those qualities, it had to be an element of nature. Nature fascinates; nature is the beginning and end of everything, nature is what these scientists will dissect and study, and nature is the best source of peace. 

 

The artist submitted several sketches and 3D models of possible designs. Finally, the one he felt most in harmony with was also chosen by the architect Vita Polkovņikova. Slightly curved glass modules portraying trunks of pine trees seemed to have the proper disposition about the setting- both physical and philosophical.

 

Physically, the composition did not overpower the atmosphere of the foyer, and yet it was not to be missed by a passer-by. It finely highlighted the architectural spirit of the building by drawing upon the forms of the concrete structures on the façade of the building.

 

Philosophically, The University of Latvia is the country's most important institution of higher education; any Latvian would be proud to be studying there. This Latvian pride and patriotism is also reflected in pines. Yes, in pines...  a tall and slender form held up by strong roots. Like humans… No matter where one is from, one can only know who they are by understanding their roots, acknowledging one's/her strengths and weaknesses and acting upon them. Only knowing what one is made of can properly care for themselves and thrive. Latvia is a country of forests and lakes, and pine is the most common type of tree, accounting for nearly 40% of the total forest area. For a Latvian, a pine is enough to remind them of who they are, as  one of the most well-known Latvian songs starts with these words:

 

"Here, where the pine tree forests rustle, I am tied with the dearest bonds- this is my fatherland…"

 

The artist, of course, also has his own personal, intimate story of how he came to the idea of pines. His story starts in his childhood by the sea, in the dunes and the pine hurst separating the seaside from the highway. However, nearly every Latvian would have dear memories of running around, gathering mushrooms or climbing up the trees in a pine forest.