Kieren Reed
Whitstable Biennale Headquarters

The Main Beach, opposite the Royal Native Oyster Stores

10:00-18:00 Tuesday - Sunday

Kieren Reed is currently working on developing a series of functional wood and concrete kiosk sculptures influenced by modernist architecture and design ideals. Small modules, designed to be cast on site, these concrete forms are designed to become usable structures during temporary public events, working as information points meeting places or other usable space. Created with a duality in being both a sculpture as well as a functioning architectural object; the forms can exist as one, the other or both simultaneously.

Aesthetically influenced by 1950’s post war British architecture and its considerations towards low cost design, functionality and durability of construction, a small kiosk will become the Whitstable Biennale Headquarters for the duration of the 2010 festival. Placed on the shingle beach, next to the Royal Native Oyster Stores, and referencing seaside architecture and tourist functionality, a small single module will form the information point for the Biennale, housing artists’ books and information.

The concept is a response to the idea of human and micro architectural spaces made to be occupied by only one or two persons and makes reference to Reed's interest and understanding of negotiating a town or city and its architecture. He is intrigued by the human relationship with spaces, habitat and the concepts of utopian architecture and modern social housing schemes. Initial kiosk designs (attached) reference 50’s development of school and utilitarian buildings in Europe. Reed is in particular interested in the style of the architects Karl Otto 1904 - 1975 (Germany, Berlin), Chamberlain, Powell and Bon C.1952 (London) and Max Bill 1908 - 94 (Switzerland).

The kiosk investigates the use of space, form and functionality and the similarities between architecture and sculpture.