Vessel Installation / Erazo Pugliese

Architects: Erazo Pugliese
Area: 23 m²
Year: 2024
Photography: Bruno Giliberto
Lead Architects: Sebastian Erazo, Stefano Pugliese
Project Team: Marianne Bilger, Harald K. Foss, Giulio Torracchi, Erick Allende, Simon Härström
City: Tønsberg
Country: Norway

Vessel, a temporary installation by Erazo Pugliese, was created for the Færderbiennalen festival in Tønsberg, Norway. The structure, made from wood and agricultural fabric, evokes the form of historical vessels and is situated on the Slottsfjellet historical site. Through its interaction with wind and framed views, the installation connects visitors to the natural landscape. Its design avoids foundations, adapting seamlessly to the uneven terrain, and due to popular demand, it will remain on display until October 2024.

Selected through the Færderbiennalen’s International open call, Vessel marks Erazo Pugliese’s second project featured in the festival. The dance and architecture festival served as a platform to present the installation, highlighting the fusion of architecture and performance within a cultural context.

Vessel is a temporary installation located on the historical site of Slottsfjellet, in Tønsberg, Norway, south of Oslo. The installation stood from July 27th to August 10th, as part of the Færderbiennalen’s program, and due to popular demand, its presence has been extended until early October. Built from wood and agricultural fabric, it references vessels used over centuries for exploration and the transmission of handcraft traditions across generations.

The asymmetrical form of Vessel, positioned on the rocks, invites visitors to connect with nature and the horizon from a grounded viewpoint. The partially fixed fabric o its timber frame reacts to the wind, heightening awareness of natural forces, while framed views reconnect human-made structures with the landscape. In calmer moment, visitors can sit or lie down, evoking contemplation and the existential sensations often felt in natural surroundings.

The site, proposed by Færderbiennalen, is within Slottsfjelletmuseet, a historical heritage area. Due to the protected status of the land and the possible presence of Viking archaeological remains, the installation was designed to stand without foundations to avoid any disturbance to the soil. The structure’s design adapts to the uneven terrain, emphasizing its temporary and fragile nature.

Despite its impermanent state, the metaphorical Vessel, with its billowing fabric and rational, repetitive framework, aims to leave a lasting impression, engaging the sense and creating enduring memories for visitors.