Gazing up at Koordinate nach Süden geöffnet, one might wonder about the mind that conceived it. This striking red granite and steel sculpture dominates the south entrance of the University of Augsburg’s Physics lecture hall. Hiromi Akiyama, born in Hiroshima in 1937, created this piece, along with its northern counterpart, in 1998. The Koordinate nach Süden geöffnet, meaning “Coordinate open to the south,” is significantly larger than its northern twin. Both sculptures consist of two stacked cubes, the top one of polished red granite, the bottom of weathered steel. These vertical elements are connected to horizontal granite and steel plates embedded in the ground. The materials themselves speak volumes. The granite embodies timelessness, a connection to the earth. The steel, however, reveals its transient nature through its corroded surface. Akiyama highlights this duality: the timeless versus the temporary, the natural versus the man-made. The sculpture’s name, “Coordinate,” refers to the way a point’s location is described in space. Yet, these coordinates are open, inviting interaction and passage. They define the foyer areas, creating a space where students and visitors can gather. Akiyama masterfully blends Eastern and Western philosophies, combining contrasting elements to create a harmonious whole. The Koordinate nach Süden geöffnet, a sentinel of stone and steel, invites contemplation on the nature of time, space, and our place within them.
TSV Schwaben Augsburg
Can a sports club truly reflect the beating heart of a city? Here in Augsburg, TSV Schwaben Augsburg does just