Architecture: The Triple Folly

The Triple Folly by Thomas Demand (MACK, 2023).

© Courtesy of the artist and MACK

Written and Photo Edited by Wenjie (Demi) Zhao

The Triple Folly (2017 - 2022), a pavilion perched on the rolling seaside hillocks of textile company Kvadrat’s headquarters in Ebeltoft, Denmark, represents a compelling narrative of art and architecture. Conceived by artist Thomas Demand and brought to life by architects Caruso St John and textile makers Kvadrat, this arresting structure interprets the world through the lens of the playful, the paper, and the eccentric.

Caruso St John’s architectural interpretation manifests as a sculptural tripartite folly, a playful architectural fantasy that materializes Demand’s lightness of form while incorporating their distinctive, duplicitous whimsy. Nestled on the hillocks of the Ebeltoft campus, the folly comprises three sections – a meeting room, a kitchen, and a flexible living space adorned with artwork by Rosemarie Trockel. While each component has its individual identity, they coalesce into a harmonious ensemble reflective of their shared origin.

The Triple Folly (2023) by Thomas Demand published by MACK

Inspired by three ‘found’ objects chosen by Demand – a piece of yellow legal paper, a paper plate, and an American soda jerk’s hat – the structure stands slightly uphill, striking a balance between humor and seriousness, absurdity and logic. Its whimsical form, following the ‘logic of paper’, is an eye-catcher from afar. The yellowish roof sheet, the purplish-blue hues, and the reflective façades that interacting with the surrounding colors all contribute to its playful pretense. This celebration of the arts stands as a true architectural folly – a sculpture evoking real pleasure.

The Triple Folly by Thomas Demand (MACK, 2023).

© Courtesy of the artist and MACK

The Triple Folly is a Gesamtkunstwerk, a total work of art that brings together multiple disciplines and sensibilities. Echoing the Scandinavian tradition of exhaustive, free-thinking creativity, it aligns with the mid-century ethos of total design. Demand’s initial concept, realized in miniature paper models, captures this raw creativity. In collaboration with Andrews Sedgwick (Arup) on engineering and material research, the architects transformed these miniature models into architectural form and substance.

Materiality played a crucial role in the realization of The Triple Folly. Adam Caruso reflects, “a lot of the Triple Folly is fiberglass. It is a kind of material that doesn’t have its own form. It could be anything; it is a chameleon material.” The fiberglass, akin to the paper models, offers flexibility and openness to interpretation, making it the perfect medium for this architectural incarnation.

The Triple Folly (2023) by Thomas Demand published by MACK

The design elements of the pavilion pay homage to its origins and context. The undulations of the paper plate are classic, evoking a sense of familiarity and nostalgia. The description of “flickering on the translucent fabric” encapsulates the feeling of being inside the structure, further enriching the sensory experience. The color palette, featuring purples and turquoises, harks back to the first color ranges when Kvadrat was founded in 1968, tying the pavilion back to its heritage.

The underlying influence of Kvadrat’s textile legacy is evident in the folly’s design. Demand’s initial inspiration, the tent as an archetypal structure, subtly nods to Kvadrat’s textile prowess. This influence permeates the pavilion, evident in the soft lines and curves reminiscent of fabric folds, and the creation of interior spaces that envelop the visitor like a comforting cloak. The structure’s remarkable lightness and the controlled diffusion of light through its surfaces imbue the space with a fabric-like quality, further underlining the textile narrative.

The Triple Folly by Thomas Demand (MACK, 2023).

© Courtesy of the artist and MACK

The pavilion comes alive through the interplay of light and shadow, textured opacity and inviting transparency. This dramatic interplay evokes a sense of motion and dynamism, suggesting that the structure, much like the paper objects that inspired it, is not static but constantly transforming with the shifts of daylight.

Accompanying the pavilion is the comprehensive three-volume publication The Triple Folly by MACK. This publication offers a deep dive into the evolution of the project, featuring Demand’s original development sketchbooks and insightful conversations with renowned architects and artists. It provides a thorough exploration of the creative and construction processes that led to this remarkable structure.

The Triple Folly by Thomas Demand (MACK, 2023).

© Courtesy of the artist and MACK

The Triple Folly is not just visually stunning; it also instills a sense of intrigue and curiosity. Thomas Demand, Caruso St John, and Kvadrat have created a space that invites viewers to question and explore the world around them in a new light. This structure stands as a testament to the power of interdisciplinary collaboration, where the boundaries of art, architecture, and design blur to create something truly extraordinary.

For more information about the publication, visit MACK’s website.