makrolab | makrolab

this is why we built makrolab

the process of following a certain 
problem could be metaphorically 
expressed as travel through the areas 
of a big organism. the existent 
cognition systems explain various 
parts of  the ur-animal (e.g. the 
foot, the organ, the tissue, the 
structure, the particle...) 

by means of links they create 
topographical areas. viewed from 
inside in the man who thinks, 
explores, learns, experiences and 
feels the latter form and organize 
themselves as complete experiences, 
whereas viewed from outside they 
manifest themselves as neutral 
objects: tools, books, images, plans, 
calculations, data bases, models, 
systems...

the exhibited object, the 
makrolab-console represents the 
external, fragmentary view on the 
makrolab - research station, which is 
set on the hill lutterberg. 

makrolab is designed as an autonomous, 
modular communications and living 
environment, which is powered by 
sustainable sources of energy (solar 
and wind power). it is designed for a 
long existence in an isolated 
environment and can withstand extreme 
natural conditions.

it has it's own research and experience 
goal. the station is built as a 
combination of various scientific and 
technological logistics systems. 
makrolab makes use of scientific and 
technological tools, knowledge and 
systems, but it projects them in the 
social domain of art. we, the authors 
and crew make use of the system of art 
for the shaping and representation of an 
integral empirical and creative experience.

telecommunications as the main aspect of 
the project is concentrated on the 
discovery and recording of the events 
which take place in the densely populated 
abstract areas of the electromagnetic 
spectrum. the electromagnetic spectrum is 
a part of the global socio-political space, 
which is invisible and immaterial on one 
hand but presents a productive factor of 
general living and social conditions on the 
other. it can be sensed only by the means 
of suitable interfaces and specialized 
knowledge. the telecommunication activities 
of makrolab are created  as the process of 
transcribing invisible and vague 
micro-environmental activities into 
traditional, three-dimensional textures - 
documents.

the research station makrolab on the 
lutterberg hill nearby kassel (which is at 
the same time one of the exhibited works of 
art at the documenta 10 exhibition) is the 
primary conceptual and material plan of the 
project which has yet only started to follow 
its objective, and which constantly shapes 
its contents and lives its own individual 
experience. 

19.6.1997