EMBT: Bremerhaven Redevelopment

It was the image of a wooden model place over a black and white collage of the harbour site of this project that inspired my line of thought. There is a strong visual connection between Bremerhaven and the work of Pablo Picasso, namely the faces in ‘Les Demoiselles d’Avignon’. The strong, direct geometry used by Picasso throughout his career is encapsulated in its utmost and controversial representation of the females in a brothel. The surroundings and situation, possibly the most important and key factor in this painting is important, and perhaps the reason why the geometry is so strong and aggressive, much like EMBT’s Bremerhaven project. Like Picasso, Enric Miralles insisted on sketching. He would resketch sketches, and then sketch it again. It was through this routine, like Picasso, that perfection was found in representing an idea. EMBT has shown that sketch and geometry is a valuable tool in the design process.

The surroundings, like any successful project, have been researched, understood, interacted with and utilised in the production of the design concept. Through the need for pedestrian access and highlighting historical links between the harbours, bold and direct geometries have been used to create these connections.

Further studies of EMBT’s work shows a consistent design approach of ‘collage’. As a method of adopting a concept for a site, collage is employed. Be it photographs chopped up, black ink on paper models, wooden models placed over paper collages, a combination of media is used in the design process.
This creates a unique identity in the sketch design phase that is reflected in the final projects. It allows the boundaries to be pushed and ideas tried in a playful and intimate way.

The Bremerhaven redevelopment project was a design competition entry, and although it was never completed it speaks volumes about EMBT. This did not hinder my view of EMBT or the project, but rather reinforced any initial thoughts on the practices approach to design. It is through design competition that the true nature of a practice is displayed and a truly imaginative side is revealed.

Concept model and site, Bremerhaven.

'Les Demoiselles d'Avignon', Pablo Picasso.

Bibliography:

Enric Miralles : mixed talks / edited by Benedetta Tagliabue.
London : Academy Editions ; New York : Distributed to the trade in the USA by
St. Martin's Press, 1995.

Les Demoiselles d'Avignon : a sketchbook / Picasso ; text by Brigitte Leal.
London [England] : Thames and Hudson ; Paris : Réunion des musées nationaux, c1988.

http://www.jersemar.org.il/Files/1996%20-%20Enric%20Miralles.pdf