Albanian Pavilion at London Design Biennale 2016 | Installation view No. 2

The Albanian sculpture installation for the for the 2016 London Design Biennale is a circular arrangement of benches and columns that surround a central empty space. The installation both as a place of self-reflection, and an opportunity to come together with others. Designed by artist Helidon Xhixha, the mirrored surfaces of the taller columns capture individual reflections, while also catching those of others, creating myriad opportunities for interaction. The circular layout of the benches aims to facilitate democratic discussion and exchange, demonstrating the need for community and unification in any ideal city.

Albania’s response explores the value of utopian thought in times of uncertainty. With reference to the current migration crisis, the core of the installation bears the engraved outline of Europe’s borders, considered by many refugees as a “modern-day utopia”.

Albanian Pavilion was commissioned by the Albanian Institute New York, the administering body, and it was curated by Dino Korca.