Johannesburg studio Counterspace is the youngest architecture practice to take on The Serpentine’s annual commission, on the gallery’s 50th anniversary.
The South African practice was established in 2015 by Sumayya Vally, Amina Kaskar and Sarah de Villiers, who all turn 30 this year, and the trio has mainly concentrated on work in their home country. They take a community-focused approach to their work, which spans academia, architecture, installation and exhibitions.
Take a look at Counterspace’s upcoming design for the 2020 Serpentine Pavilion and explore three projects which capture the scope of the studio’s completed works.
Serpentine Pavilion 2020 designed by Counterspace, Design Render, Exterior View © Counterspace
Serpentine Pavilion 2020 designed by Counterspace, Design Render, Interior View © Counterspace
Folded Skies installation, Stellenbosch, 2019
This sculptural piece brought a ‘drop of sky’ down to the ground, for the Spier Light Art Festival in Stellenbosch. Its iridescent surface drew on the unique colours of South African light – particularly the way these shades are emphasised and altered by mining dust. The trio used the same compounds to make this installation, which they say creates a ‘snapshot’ of the country’s changing sky.
Photography: Caitlin B Warther
Folded Skies installation, Stellenbosch, 2019
This sculptural piece brought a ‘drop of sky’ down to the ground, for the Spier Light Art Festival in Stellenbosch. Its iridescent surface drew on the unique colours of South African light – particularly the way these shades are emphasised and altered by mining dust. The trio used the same compounds to make this installation, which they say creates a ‘snapshot’ of the country’s changing sky.
Photography: Caitlin B Warther
Children’s Courtroom, Johannesburg, 2019
Counterspace recreated a classic courtroom, but as a children’s playground in this installation designed for prison-turned-museum Constitution Hill. The set familiarises young people with the legal process, with the witness stand, judge’s table and public gallery all reinterpreted in child-friendly size.
Skateistan interiors, Johannesburg, 2017
Counterspace overhauled the headquarters of non-profit organisation Skateistan, repainting walls with giant graphics designed in partnership with children, and installing seats and benches based on skate ramps and climbing walls. The space encourages play and learning, with extra toys and equipment hidden inside the furniture.
