Circles of Universal Language: a conversation with Ben van Kemenade
Dutch Design Week 2024: together we explore how to create meaningful connections in ever-evolving Eindhoven
The exhibition ‘Circles of Universal Language’ is presented by the municipality of Eindhoven in collaboration with Dutch Invertuals during Dutch Design Week 2024. This exhibition showcases ten designers who demonstrate the power of universal language in creating meaningful encounters. Through bi-weekly meetings, conversations, observations, and research, each designer contributes their unique perspective and approach.
We speak with Ben van Kemenade about ‘The Acoustic Arc’ in which he invites Eindhoven residents to interact with a wooden structure resembling a musical instrument, creating dynamic sounds through user and wind engagement.
“The use of carefully selected wood species not only reflects quality and artistry but also invites residents to physically interact with the installation.”
Ben van Kemenade
In his design practice, Ben van Kemenade seeks out materials once owned by dedicated, experienced craftsmen. With expertise in working with wood and preserving its qualities, he highlights the importance of passing down knowledge across generations.
Can you elaborate on ‘The Acoustic Arc’ installation and how it aims to create meaningful encounters in Eindhoven?
By inviting both players and listeners to participate, the installation aims to create a shared experience that emphasises the relationship between sound, vibration, and craftsmanship. The carefully selected materials enhance this connection, making the experience not only auditory but also tactile. ‘The Acoustic Arc’ seeks to reconnect individuals with themselves and each other through the universal language of music, highlighting the communal and expressive potential of sound in urban environments.
Could you share more about your creative process, the design, material choices you made? How do you think craftsmanship and the material help to connect residents in Eindhoven?
The use of carefully selected wood species not only reflects quality and artistry but also invites residents to interact with the installation. This tactile engagement aims to foster a deeper connection to the artwork and, by extension, to each other as they share the experience.
What is the role of sound and craftsmanship in ‘The Acoustic Arc’, and what do you hope audiences take away from it?
The Craftsmanship embodies the skill and effort put into creating the installation, which I think resonate with local values of artisanship and creativity. As residents engage with the installation, they participate in a collective experience that aims to enhance community bonds.
“The conversations shifted my viewpoint on the role of the installation—not just as a standalone art piece, but as a facilitator of community interaction.”
Ben van Kemenade
