documenta 14, Parthenon of Books, Kassel
Location
Kassel, Germany
Year
2017
Products
Event structures
For documenta 14 in Kassel, NUSSLI constructed a walk-through scaffolding structure. The structure served as the foundation for the cladding, which consisted of up to 100,000 books, and became a symbol of freedom, knowledge, and the protection of cultural content visible from afar during the 100-day run of documenta 14. NUSSLI handled the planning and construction of the temporary structure, thereby creating the technical framework for one of the most acclaimed art projects in documenta’s history.
Technical Implementation of an Artistic Vision
documenta is one of the world’s most important exhibitions of contemporary art. For its 14th edition, “The Parthenon of Books” was created—a work of art that brought together historical architecture, social issues, and modern exhibition culture. The installation was modeled after the Parthenon on the Acropolis in Athens, one of the most famous structures of antiquity. It was based on the “Partenón de Libros,” created by Marta Minujín in Buenos Aires in 1983. The Kassel version took this idea to a new level, transforming the structure itself into a walk-through component of the artwork. NUSSLI’s task was to construct a safe, stable, and precisely executed structure that also met the design requirements of both the artist and documenta.
Andreas Keller, Altdorf
Andreas Keller, Altdorf
A structure designed to hold 100,000 books
The artwork was based on a large-scale scaffolding structure built to the dimensions of the ancient original. The structure was approximately 29.5 meters wide and 65.5 meters long and was designed to be fully accessible to visitors. NUSSLI used approximately 300 metric tons of steel and wood for this project. The structure not only had to support its own weight and the weight of visitors but also had to accommodate the subsequent attachment of the books. The books were shrink-wrapped and attached to the structure by the client using wire mesh. Step by step, this process created the distinctive façade of the “Parthenon of Books.”
From the Steel Structure to the Visitor Platform
The project was carried out in two main construction phases. First, NUSSLI erected the main framework of the structure. This initial phase encompassed the central structure, which was then prepared for the installation of the books. In a second phase, the team added the staircases and access elements. Two staircases along the long sides and one at the front provided access to the structure. In addition, a wheelchair-accessible ramp was integrated to ensure that the installation was accessible to as many visitors as possible. This combination of structural design, accessibility, and safe use resulted not only in an impressive sculpture but also in a walk-in event and gathering space.
Andreas Keller, Altdorf
A symbol made of steel, wood, and books
During documenta 14, “The Parthenon of Books” became a central gathering place in Kassel. The installation combined a historical architectural form with a contemporary social issue: access to knowledge and the importance of freedom of expression. With its scaffolding structure, NUSSLI provided the technical foundation that made it possible to realize this artistic vision and allow visitors to experience it. The project demonstrates the possibilities offered by temporary event structures: they create spaces for art, culture, and social interaction.
