DNA Architecture

Stefanie Gaus, Volker Sattel: Beyond Metabolism
Germany, Japan 2014, exp. Documentary, hdv, color, 40:00 min

First triangles, then hexagons – the hexagon as the geometric DNA of an erratic architectural structure with an eerie lack of scale. Slowly, in the succession of hallways, apertures, views, and spaces, an enormous construction is disclosed. Already in its first images, "Beyond Metabolism" conveys a fascination for a utopia of architecture that imagines life in future societies in flexible, large structures, expandable at will. We find ourselves in the interior of the International Conference Center in Kyoto, which was built in 1966 by the Japanese architect Sachio Otani – a student of the famous Kenzo Tange. Following an interpreter’s narrative, fragments of documentary archive material recall what may be the most significant event ever to occur at this place, the 1997 World Climate Change Conference. In "Beyond Metabolism" Stefanie Gaus and Volker Sattel question our idealistic future in post high economic growth era, with the help from this building, which is significant not only for Japans past and present situation.

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