THE BIG DIG, XIAN, CHINA
By Mario Pisani
The project realized in Xian, China by Topotek I represents the tangible materialization of the unconscious dream of traversing the entire planet from Berlin to re-emerge on the opposite side. The idyllic images are an invitation to learn more about the work of the architecture design studio established in 1996 by the two landscape designers Martin Rein-Cano and Lorenz Dexler.
A comprehensive overview of their works is seen in the monograph published in 2008 by Libria books of Melfi, which volume offers various essays by contributors including Matthias Schneider, Elke Stamm, Pietro Valle. They have all analyzed their work in depth: a long series of realized projects, of which the major ones are the University Campus at Halle (2002), the Post-Industrial Park at Eberswalde (2002), the Ortus Artis in the Certosa of San Lorenzo at Padula (2003) to the Castle Park of Wolfsburg (2004).
In brief, the architectural firm is able to mix the characteristics of the visual aesthetic of the contemporary city with typical and traditional aspects of landscape architecture. These projects are characterised by the presence of elements inspired by graphic art, from the poetic pop that is interpretive of a watermark, to the dissonant harmonies that lead one to reflect beyond the natural landscapes to metropolitan contexts distinguished by the frenetic rhythms and constant noise generated.
Very often in their projects one can discover an occult symbolism and nuances that are conducive to the creation of a sense of surprise and turbulence when experienced by the visitors to the parks. In this case, the triumph of the concept of passing through the earth to re-emerge on the opposite side is evident. A concept diffused throughout the world and represented in the realm of literature and cinema.
With the garden designed in Xian, China the designers could not resist a desire to develop as a child would and they were able to convey the idea of having excavated all the way to emerge in China. The garden thus appears as a consequence of the excavation and it is natural to wonder what lies on the other side.
The story of the gardens as interpreted by Tototek 1 is a demonstration of the convergence of various ideas. In this case, the desire to understand and experience foreign cultures triumphs, but also plants and landscapes from other continents. Faced with the opportunity of creating a garden in China they could not resist the temptation of effectively creating an imaginary place that is a representation of the fantastical images of childhood.
The work is this presented as a deep hole in the ground, similar in form to the speaker or an ear, enclosed by a parapet wall of glass that prevents people form approaching the edge and eliminating the danger of falling over. Artificial turf extends over all the surfaces: the hole in the lawn and the bench creates a unified aspect. It is an image that plays off the real with the fantastical accompanied by a voyage of sound. From the hole emerge the sounds of the Berlin Central Station similar to those of all stations in the world.
