sans titre

Albert Rouiller (Geneva, 1938-2000)
Collection : Fonds cantonal d'art contemporain (FCAC)

The outer staircase designed by Albert Rouiller for the École de mécatronique industrielle (school of industrial mechatronics) in Geneva looks more like a sculpture than a functional structure. The flight of stairs disappears into the spectacular metal construction, whose articulations burst out in expressive, audacious, oblique movements. The balancing volumes are organized into dynamic tensions, contrasting with the geometric rigor of the building which is further accentuated by the contrasting colors of the materials – shining stainless steel and dark, matt corten. The shapes form a lyrically accented abstract composition. After completing his studies at the École des beaux-arts (school of fine arts) in Geneva, Albert Rouiller initially carved stone. In 1962 he started experimenting with industrial materials and methods, such as steel, aluminum and concrete. He tended towards expressionist forms that suggest natural tensions or telluric forces. Their interconnection in planes and volumes, in masses and voids, became a key element of his sculptural approach.
Article commissioned by P3Art
Notice: Séverine Fromaigeat, translation: Matthew Cunningham