UV Lab’s Ouroboros had the honor of taking part in the Visual Arts Festival of Vijlandi Tuled, a part of Tartu European Capital of Culture for 2024.

Ouroboros represents an attempt to revive an ancient myth of seeking eternity and harmony in visual-architectural form – an attempt to rediscover how concepts produced by humans and their ultimate wishes take material forms, forms that became symbols, depriving them of actual presence and space filling.

The wooden Ouroboros stands as a testament to environmental stewardship and artisanal expertise, attempting to embody a profound idea (eternity) in a disenchanted world. The choice of material, reminiscent of traditional Estonian rooftops, pays homage to cultural heritage while accentuating the narrative’s organic flow, exhibiting artistic craft and the ability to uphold a structure as tough as it is fragile.

Ouroboros embodies the cyclical nature of existence, intertwining themes of continuity, interconnectedness, and renewal. It prompts contemplation on the concept of the serpent consuming its own tail, igniting curiosity about its profound implications and relevance in today’s world.

Innovation converges with tradition as Ouroboros seamlessly integrates modern technology with time-honored craftsmanship. Leveraging advanced mixed reality technology, facilitated by the Fologram plugin on Rhinoceros 3D and Grasshopper, the installation transcends conventional artistic boundaries, fostering a dialogue between the tangible and the virtual.

Stepping into the serene ambiance of Ouroboros, visitors are encouraged to reflect on their connection to the natural world. Through this immersive encounter, they are prompted to ponder humanity’s intricate relationship with nature, contemplating the significance of sustainability and adaptability for our collective future.

Architecturally, the installation’s creation presented unique challenges. Given the region’s cold weather, the structure was prepared as modular components in a workshop, facilitating transportation and assembly on-site. Initially, a waffle structure was devised utilizing pre-cut plywood – a solution offering structural stability and simplified assembly to accommodate the installation’s intricate curvature across multiple modules.

However, certain constraints necessitated a pivot to a hybrid structure for the main sections, optimizing plywood usage while maintaining structural integrity. To achieve the installation’s complex curvature, a turn to Mixed Reality technology was needed, integrating the Fologram plugin on Grasshopper and Rhinoceros. This innovative method enabled real-time visualization and manipulation of the 3D model at full scale, streamlining fabrication and assembly through QR markers and Fologram guidance on mobile devices within the workshop space.

Upon dismantling the structure, UV Lab and Viljandi Tuled organisers ensured that all materials were repurposed and given a new lease on life. Rather than allowing anything to reach the scrapyard, they made a concerted effort to contribute to the principles of the circular economy. Every component of Ouroboros was carefully salvaged and donated to local schools and craftsmen, where they could be utilized in educational projects or repurposed for future artistic endeavors. This commitment to sustainability underscores the belief in responsible resource management and the dedication to leaving a positive impact on the community long after the installation’s conclusion.

Project details

Design: UV LAB
Project Location: Vabaduse Plats, Viljandi, Estonia
Typology: Installation, public art
Design year: 2023
Built: 2024
Design and construction: Khaled Alwarea, Mike Shnsho
Computational design: Michael R. DiCarlo
Text: Ammar Almamoun

UV LAB

UV LAB

UV LAB is a creative studio that emerged in 2014 on the road between Syria and France. With a multidisciplinary approach UV LAB focuses on public art through spatial practices, digital technology and construction science. The studio seeks to foster an open dialogue between traditional and contemporary building techniques and to collaborate with local communities to create unique and sustainable solutions. The goal is to transform inhabited spaces and redefine the experiences of them.