TOILET MODULAR

My work is based on the measurements of the standaard toilet as laid down in the Dutch building act. The application of this measurement forms the norm for the smallest inhabitable space in a building. The standaard toilet is at least 110 cm wide, 90 cm long and 260 cm high. Together these measurements form one module withinmy system, known as the ‘toilet modular’, by first repeating the modules and stacking them in several storeys.My installations develop form my own spatial experience of existing building. Unlike architecture, the only function of my installations is to create space. Ultimately these space are notinhabitable. The main issue in realising my workis the actual making.* Within the restriction I impose by way of the standaard measurement of my system, I find a maximum freedom in the application of its unlimited possibilities. Morover I also occupy myself with the question: how can I make the observer more aware of space? In this way I aim to bring the viewer into contact once again with the aspect of light and time.
I wall in spaces with a cavity wall 30 cm thick. The wall contains a front door opening with fixed measurements of 210 x 90 cm. The rear section has an opening for the toilet window with fixed measurements of 45 x 70 cm. This can be repeated a number of times depending on the number of storeys thers are. On the sides there are no windows or door openings. For the small-scale modulels I use cardboard, wood or even miniatue bricks made on scale. For the models with a scale of 1:1 I use other materials ranging from wood to concrete. For the openings (doors, windows and cavity walls) I use no materials as they are completely empty spaces. Thisis also generally true of the interior. The most important aspect is the interplpay of proportions between the model and the spaces around the model, and between inside and outside. I seek space as the minimum basis for experience, a timeless final image.
Jeroen van Bergen

*’In architecture the main issue is not so much what we use to build a house or the house we build, but the building itself.’ Dom Hans van der Laan.

straat 001, Echelle 1/20, 2005, inv : 905

Meerdere gebouwen in gevelsamenstelling 002, (woonhuizen) Echelle 1/5, 2005, inv : 305