A Stone Sentinel: Embracing Nature and Human Heritage
The "Globe Nest" Takes Flight in Salvaterra do Extremo
In the windswept expanse of Salvaterra do Extremo, a town carved into the rocky terrain bordering Spain, a striking spherical sculpture has emerged. Fashioned from locally sourced black schist, this art piece, titled "Ninho Globo," stands in stark contrast to the surrounding sky, lending a dramatic flourish to the landscape. Created by the innovative team at Atelier Yokyok, this installation introduces a compelling visual dialogue between art and nature.
Atelier Yokyok: Crafting Immersive Experiences
Atelier Yokyok, a four-person design studio founded by architects Samson Lacoste and Luc Pinsard, and joined by Laure Qaremy and Pauline Lazareff, is known for its evocative works. "Ninho Globo" draws parallels to the transformative slate interventions of artists like Andy Goldsworthy, with its form suggesting a nest, a celestial body, or even a colossal seed pod gently resting in the terrain. Its Portuguese name, translating to "globe nest," hints at its profound beauty and challenges conventional notions of comfort and refuge.
A Sanctuary in a Historic Landscape
The chosen site for "Ninho Globo" is a former pig farm, characterized by numerous walled enclosures, or furdas, meticulously constructed from dry stone upon a natural granite foundation. This location provides a rich tapestry of human history and archaeological significance, a "small landscape strongly shaped by human intervention." The installation beckons visitors to enter, offering a space for quiet contemplation, meditation on the materials and their environment, or simply a respite from the prevailing winds.
The Sphere: A Symbol of Our Shared World
Atelier Yokyok's decision to craft a spherical form was intentional, aiming to evoke the imagery of celestial bodies and foster a deeper "awareness of the planet as a shared place." The artists explain that the sphere honors its inherent mineral origins, symbolizing both unwavering stability and the potential for movement, the interplay of gravity and balance. It conveys a sense of enduring presence while physically and spatially engaging those who interact with it.
"The Canyon": A Dialogue Between Shelter and Wilderness
The pavilion is dramatically bisected by a jagged, deep chasm, which the studio refers to as "The Canyon." This feature mirrors the ruggedness of its natural surroundings, creating an intriguing tension with the sculpture's function as a potential shelter. The work's meaning is intentionally open-ended, prompting profound questions: "Is it a nest or a planet? Can it be used?" It challenges our collective understanding of shared resources, urging us to consider how such a creation can be utilized responsibly to ensure its longevity and impact for future generations.