Post-Scientific Museum of Geology
Formulation of New Realism through Ambiguous Object
Speculating Enlightenment and Romanticism
Central Park at 86th St. W., New York
Mario J. Romanach Fellowship, excellence in design
Published in Pressing Matter III
Ferda Kolatan
Concept, 2014
What sets Geology apart from other sciences is its inclination toward ambiguity rather than precision. Geological phenomena constitute a series of amorphous and boundless occurrences, as opposed to the fixed forms and functions found in biological matters or the exactness of mathematical equations. Whether depicting fruits, human figures, or insects, uniformity prevails due to their inherent specificity. However, when tasked with representing geological phenomena, each portrayal diverges significantly. Geology embodies perpetual fluctuations, forming integral components of a grander geological tapestry – from pebbles to rock to the Earth's crust. Within this realm, we discern ceaseless repetition and intricate tectonic interplay among seams, surfaces, volumes, and more.
The proposal for a post-scientific Geology museum is resolutely committed to elucidating, not duplicating, the essence of geology through the rhythmic interplay of diverse surface and volume conditions. It seeks to evoke geological phenomena rather than adhere to conventional museum exhibition norms. The external facade meticulously articulates the scars and seams connecting surfaces marked by distinct conditions, in turn shaping the activities within. Internally, we encounter a reimagined landscape: crevasses, chasms, gorges, prairies, and beyond, each arising from a meticulous examination of the chosen rock. Our approach hinges on extracting information from the rock and subsequently ascribing museum functions and structure to the resultant formation. This endeavor represents an innovative fusion of art and science, inviting visitors to explore the dynamic, ever-shifting narrative of our planet's geological history.