How did the idea of incorporating ice for the project come about?
Asif Khan: The catalyst for the research stemmed from a fascinating conversation with a local taxi driver. He was talking about an area called Ice Bridge and I was instantly attracted to the mythical notion of this location.
Memory is such an important facet in this work. What are some personal memories you recollected while working?
Pernilla Ohrstedt: The personal memories that the works evoke for me is my childhood in Sweden spent gazing at ice hotels. They seem rather banal but they certainly had a sense of magic in them. What’s intriguing is how we have gone to primitive ways of using huge blocks of ice in air-conditioning systems now.
How laborious was the entire project?
Asif Khan: The project involved over 3.5 kilometers of rope and over 1,000 knots tied by hand. Ice stacks were specially made by hand. We were fortunate that many hands made light work, which includes the support from the companies involved and the design students helping us to tie the knots.
We heard that the sand used in this project will be re-used by the sponsors. What do you hope will happen to it?
Pernilla Ohrstedt: Hopefully, the sand doesn’t turn into either glass or concrete. It would be great if it is used for land reclamation purposes. We don’t think we would be pleased if it turns into something under another tower block.
The Future Memory Pavilion runs through November 18 at Stamford Green, National Museum.
