Parthenon of Books
In July 2017, the Argentine artist Marta Minujin created a full-scale replica of the Parthenon for the Documenta 14 art festival in Kassel, Germany.
The installation was constructed from books which were censored by Nazi Germany, symbolising resistance to political repression. 100,000 books were sourced from round-the-world donations in collaboration with students at Kassel University.
The books were strapped to the steel frame structure with plastic sheeting, serving a dual function of protecting the books from the weather and allowing natural light to filter through the building.
Minujin chose Athens’ Parthenon as the subject for the installation because it symbolises ‘the aesthetic and political ideals of the world’s first democracy’. The site – Friedrichsplatz, Kassel – is also symbolic, being the place where 2,000 books were burned by the Nazis.
The intention is to recirculate the books once the festival is over.
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles
Check out some of the best features and news from Designing Buildings as well as key stories from around the web.
Construction's sustainability reporting revolution
Tracking upfront embodied carbon with digital tools.
ECA welcomes procurement reforms
Public spending must back British jobs and skills.
Campaigning for Edinburgh: the Cockburn Association 1875-2049
The role of the civic voice in protecting character. Book review.
CIOB photography competition is open for entries.
ECA Edmundson apprentice of the year award
Finalists announced.
Major new study exposes serious knowledge gaps.
Generating energy from internal light as well as sunshine.
ECA welcomes plans to strengthen subcontractor quality control.
Combining mid-career qualifications with experience broadens career opportunities.
Why being a mentor can help your career.
Channel 4 broadcaster to host 125th anniversary ceremony.
Listed structures on the rail network
Heritage interests and operational requirements must be balanced.