Liminal Sediments –Studio Eidola

 

Liminal Sediments

Studio Eidola

 

The installation highlights potential uses for gravel quarry waste, the properties and characteristics of which have been researched in advance. It challenges the traditional notion of what constitutes a valuable resource and stimulates a discourse on the connection between human culture and the environment.

“Liminal Sediments” delves into the concept of liminality – the state of being in-between. By utilizing discarded quarry waste, the project explores the transitional phases within the process of material development. Rather than solely focusing on the final outcome, it draws attention to the uniqueness and potential inherent in each phase. It highlights how the same foundation can lead to diverse manifestations of a material, showcasing the multitude of possibilities.

“Liminal Sediments” centers around the alchemical process of brick making. It delves into the sintering and vitrification processes of the material, unveiling the intricate nuances of temperature, time, and the chemical reactions that occur during firing. The project intentionally creates conditions that foster the flourishing of boundary stages.

Amidst uncertainty and ambiguity, the state of being in-between holds transformative potential. It encourages embracing the process of becoming, recognizing the value of learning from each stage, and appreciating the unfolding layers of development. By challenging conventional notions of value, the installation prompts exploration of alternative perspectives. It invites the audience to question established paradigms and reevaluate the inherent value of materials and the meaning we attribute to them.

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Curators’ Comment

Denizay Apusoglu and Jonas Kissling are two researchers who explore the properties and states of mineral raw materials without preconceived notions, deriving processes to discover new materials and applications. I am fascinated by how this duo passionately dedicates themselves to these substances and tirelessly pursues potential possibilities. Their research is remarkable, but so is their creative approach to the results. Through their design, they manage to bring the material into focus and engage potential users and productions. The path Studio Eidola takes is not only challenging, much like the origin of the material, but it also requires a great deal of courage. However, this will pay off, as residual materials from gravel extraction can be utilized in the future, significantly reducing the impact on our environment. (Andreas Saxer)


 
 

Questionary

What does your workplace look like?
Definitely a messy one. It is full of material piles and prototypes that we work on. 

Which topics do you deal with in your work?
Revaluation of overlooked and discarded mineral materials, making sense of human-material relationships through cyclic thinking, aesthetics of the natural processes that shape the landscape.

Where do you find inspiration?
In the landscape, either natural or artificial. Sometimes in a quarry, sometimes in a tributary or in an ancient ocean basin. 

What does a normal design process look like for you?
When we come across something that fascinates us, we typically begin with a general research inquiry. We then go on field trips to observe the topic firsthand, discuss the ideas that emerge, conduct experiments to gain a deeper understanding of the material, and ultimately focus on the most relevant concept to develop it further.

Which are your most important working tools?
Our hands. 

About

Studio Eidola is a Zurich-based research and design studio founded in 2020 by Denizay Apusoglu and Jonas Kissling. They each begin their work with open-ended investigations into the cycles and properties of raw materials, processes that shape the landscape, and traditions of long-standing manufacturing cultures. They translate their discoveries into objects, spaces, or manifestos.

studioeidola.ch

 
Barbara Brandmaier