Aerial Sculptures and Architecture by DRIFT

Headed up by Lonnek Gordjin and Ralph Nauta, Dutch artist duo DRIFT’s latest experimental work answers the haunting question — what if? Inspired by a question initiated from their conversation with Danish architect Bjarke Ingels, these performative art installations comprise an ensemble of drones casting a ghostly completion of historically known architecture.

The concept of the installation was inspired by DRIFT’s previous artwork Franchise Freedom (2017), in which the discussion with Ingels revolved around speculations on future architecture projects. The idea was also further prompted after the fire that tragically damaged Notre Dam in Paris — leading to the artists considering the idea of rebuilding the past using light. “It makes sense, in this fast paced world, to shine a light on these masterpieces”, said Lonnek and Ralph, who used the disheartening event as an opportunity to celebrate architecture’s past. Thus began the process of collaborating with a multi-disciplinary team of 64 to conceive their performative installation.

The performance uses the drones’ coloured lights, creating a connect-the-dots sensation on several building examples. The light acts as a metaphor with DRIFT intending on stitching and pondering on the relationship between past and modern technological methods used in architectural construction.

The installations take place in several European cities, with artworks comprising light cast from assembling drones to complete the missing fragments of well-known buildings. Needless to say, the careful planning and skill required for timing the drones in perfect lines was quite a challenge! From completing the circle of the Colosseum in Rome, to fulfilling the yet-to-be-built arches in Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia, it’s an exciting avenue for imagination to bleed into these architectural landmarks.

Of course, the installation is not limited to the historical precedents. As Ralph commented — “a large building can change the landscape of a city dramatically” — DRIFT also envisioned a towering skyscraper fitted into the skyline. Through their collaboration with Drone Stories and Nova Skystories, this project sends a considered outlook in the future of architectural design.

Using drones to establish scale and impact on the impending landscape, it wouldn’t be surprising if our future landscape is rendered with curious shells. An exciting anticipation for us all.