AL_A and AHEC to transform V&A Museum grand entrance for the London Design Festival 2011.For the 2011 London Design Festival, landmark design installations by renowned British architects and designers have been seen across the city, and the American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC) has commissioned award-winning architects Amanda Levete Architects (AL_A) to design one of the most public.
Entitled Timber Wave, the majestic three dimensional latticework spiral made from American red oak span the height of the Museum doors. Opening up long views along Cromwell Road, the installation takes the V&A out onto the street, and exuberantly celebrates the London Design Festival’s residency at the V&A. Repetition of motif is part of the didactic heritage of the V&A and this structure is born from that tradition. It creates its own balance and reflects the contemporary preoccupation with interconnectivity between disciplines. Timber Wave builds on a collection of installations supported and driven by the American Hardwood Export Council which demonstrate the performance, aesthetic and enduring qualities of American hardwood. For 2011, the red oak structure will completely transform the Museum’s Grand Entrance.



As the installation process progresses and the Wave takes its form, Ben Evans and Amanda Levete comment on the design process and the collaborative effort behind the Timber Wave.

www.americanhardwood.org
www.londondesignfestival.com