Concept
FLUIDUM is a ceiling installation proposed for the Bundestag’s new office building on Schadowstrasse 4, drawing inspiration from the famed Princess Group sculpture by Johann Gottfried Schadow. Located within the communication zones on floors 1 to 4, the installation reinterprets fragments of the classical sculpture in an abstract, monochrome form, creating an autonomous piece that sustains the elegance and vitality of the original work. Through subtle folds and flowing forms, FLUIDUM invites viewers to contemplate the interplay between abstraction, representation, and artistic expression. The title suggests an evolving spatial atmosphere, shaped by each viewer’s perspective and interactions, which transforms the ceiling into a dynamic element within the building.
The forms within FLUIDUM grow organically from the ceiling’s 20 cm-high projection, creating a sense of movement towards the center. The restrained, monochrome palette accentuates light and shadow, adding depth while maintaining a minimalist presence. The ceiling appears alive, referencing historical art while translating classical sculptural questions into a contemporary architectural context. FLUIDUM evokes a timeless liveliness, offering viewers a glimpse of artistic heritage reimagined as an intangible, transcendent experience.
Technical Execution
The FLUIDUM installation is a 7.5 x 4-meter plaster relief with a maximum depth of 30 cm, mounted in the ceiling area across from the staircase in the communication zones. To create the relief, 3D fragments of the Princess Group are scanned and digitally repositioned, stretched, and reassembled in an artistic process. After digital optimization, approximately eight intricate fragments are produced as hollow forms using sand printing—a technique typically employed in metal casting.
The assembled relief is made from polymer plaster, which is lightweight, non-flammable, and stable. Mounted on a steel frame with securely anchored points, the forms are then refined and seamlessly integrated with the existing drywall. The installation will be coated in the same wall paint to blend with its surroundings. No maintenance beyond regular cleaning is expected, making FLUIDUM a durable and visually integrated part of the building’s interior.