Reinterpretation of Dalí's »Vidriera Hipercubica« designed by Pérez Piñero in 1971

Abstract

In 1971, the Spanish architect Emilio Pérez Piñero designed a foldable system of glass panels to separate the stage from the inner courtyard of the Dalí'Theatre‐Museum in Figueras. It is one of his last projects, before his early death by a car accident, ended abruptly this very creative period of the extraordinary constructor. The project is directly appointed by the artist Salvador Dalí himself, who was enthusiastic about Piñero's filigree constructions and called the foldable structure »Vidriera Hipercubica«, making a reference to the 4th dimension as a constant theme in the art of the 20th century. Analogous to the 4th dimension in physics – time, movement stands for the 4th dimension in architecture. The invention of the last system is patented in 1976, four years after the death of the architect under the description »System of Articulated Planes«. It can be read like a construction manual for the hypercubic glass. In the seminar »Movable Structures«, which takes place every summer semester since 2015 at the Institute of Structural Design at Universität Siegen, the realisation of a reinterpretation of the »Vidriera Hipercúbica« is the content of the current course. Following the assembly instructions of different patents by Pérez Piñero, it is possible to use the movement as a design tool, which allows to interpret the 4th dimension in architecture. One of the objectives is to pass the technical limits of that time and to integrate new possibilities in manufacturing. In particular, new types of glazing material will be used as well as digital production processes for connecting details. The reinterpretation focuses not only in its architectural interest, but also in the further development of the research work started by Piñero 50 years ago as well as to achieve innovative options of application. Hence, the imaginable use of foldable structures for the mobile installation of solar collectors could be one of them.