What if a sculpture could play with light and space? Here before us stands the Lichtdurchl\u00e4ssige B\u00fcndels\u00e4ule. It is a testament to artistic precision and architectural thought.
Erwin Heerich created this sculpture. He was known for his cardboard sculptures. He also designed buildings and artworks using cardboard models. Heerich’s Lichtdurchl\u00e4ssige B\u00fcndels\u00e4ule stands proudly. It is located in front of the Federal Office of Administration in Cologne. It was erected in 1979.
The Lichtdurchl\u00e4ssige B\u00fcndels\u00e4ule appears as a calculated tower. It sits on a dark tiled base. Another square is inscribed within this base. The tower comprises prisms. These prisms share the same height but vary in thickness. The gaps between them create another square shape.
Heerich’s work was selected as part of the “Kunst am Bau” program. This initiative allocated a percentage of public building costs to artworks. The Berliner Akademie der K\u00fcnste describes the work as a six-part translucent bundle pillar. It includes a fountain and a planting area. It is made of basalt.
Sadly, the Lichtdurchl\u00e4ssige B\u00fcndels\u00e4ule has seen better days. Broken basalt lava plates have been replaced with concrete. The fountain has been dry for a long time.
When viewing the Lichtdurchl\u00e4ssige B\u00fcndels\u00e4ule, consider its elements. Think about how they relate to each other. Try to understand its construction. Notice how your movement affects your perception. The spaces between the prisms are important. They are as vital as the solid forms.
Erwin Heerich was a student of Ewald Matar\u00e9 at the Kunstakademie D\u00fcsseldorf. Joseph Beuys and Georg Meistermann were also students there. Heerich’s independent artistic work includes numerous sculptures in public spaces. He taught at various institutions. He also helped plan the buildings on Museum Island Hombroich. Heerich had his studio there for many years.
The Lichtdurchl\u00e4ssige B\u00fcndels\u00e4ule invites us to reflect. It encourages us to think about space. It makes us consider our place within it. Take a moment to appreciate Heerich’s vision. Consider how light transforms this unique sculpture.