Perhaps an enlarged circus act? That’s what the Zusammenhalt Installation reminds me of.
The Zusammenhalt Installation in Berlin is a captivating kinetic sculpture. It embodies stability and instability. It is an unusual work of public art. It was created by the Berlin-based artist group realities:united.
“Drehmoment” is the German name. It translates to “torque” in English. The Zusammenhalt Installation resulted from an open art-in-architecture competition. The German “Institute of Federal Real Estate” launched it in 2015.
After two years, the installation was handed over to the “Futurium”. Futurium is Berlin’s “Center for Shaping the Future”. The Zusammenhalt Installation is the first work by realities:united in Berlin public space.
The artwork reminds us of a dramatically enlarged circus act. A four-meter-wide ring rotates on a thirteen-meter-tall curved steel mast. At first, nothing seems to happen. Then, the Zusammenhalt Installation awakens.
The rotation speed increases slowly. The movement becomes faster. The ring rotates more dynamically. The rotational force lifts the ring from its support. Tumbling and stable, it balances along the tip of the rotating mast. The speed decreases. The ring returns to its original position.
The technical implementation of this kinetic sculpture is remarkable. The Zusammenhalt Installation evokes human emotion. “Drehmoment” triggers something in our innermost consciousness.
The regular circular movement and balance have a calming effect. Viewers anticipate a possible collapse. It seems the ring could drop off any minute. Grace and calm mix with concern and unease.
This emotional experience dialogues with Futurium’s focus. Futurium is an exhibition space for future-oriented scientific and technical developments. The Zusammenhalt Installation relates to future questions of human existence.
It embodies stability and instability. These are essential parts of our technologically driven society. The Zusammenhalt Installation motivates visitors. It encourages questioning the contents of Futurium. It also encourages questioning everyday experiences. The artists see the Zusammenhalt Installation as a silent commentary on building.
The Zusammenhalt Installation stands between Berlin’s main station and the Federal Ministry for Education and Research. This location gives the art work extra relevance. The location highlights the connection to research. It also makes it more visible to the general public.
The artwork is open to curious visitors. We can look forward to seeing the Zusammenhalt Installation in daily motion.