Graffiti Inspired Architecture: 40 Bond
New York City’s 40 Bond Street condominium by Herzog and de Meuron features an eye-catching street-level cast aluminum gate inspired by graffiti. While the pattern pays tribute to the neighborhood’s gritty history, it’s a little ironic that it’s not only a gate that restricts access to the building itself (preventing any real graffiti), but protecting a residential building for the wealthy.
Graffiti Sand Sculpture
Known for a characteristic graffiti style that seems to pop off the wall with a faux 3D effect, Daim (Mirko Reisser) created actual 3D graffiti in the form of a sand castle in the shape of his name, which was quickly overtaken by the sea in a process that’s even faster than the often-overnight covering of graffiti on urban surfaces.
Graffiti-Inspired Gate
Another graffiti-inspired gate is a little more egalitarian in nature than the one at 40 Bond: the neon entrance to the Aemstel Schooltuin school garden in Amsterdam where over 500 school children aged 9 to 11 learn about nature and grow their own plants. The gate stands out starkly against the natural tones of the garden, and the historic surroundings. The tightly woven patterns have a functional purpose: keeping out thieving rabbits.
3D-Printed Graffiti Sculpture
3D printing makes it possible to make all sorts of designs into three-dimensional objects, including graffiti-inspired lettering. This one, entitled ‘Seyo,’ is made of polyamide with plans to produce metal versions in the future. Says designer Simon Potter, “The genre has a long and celebrated tradition of using perspective as a visual theme. The letterforms become architectural, yet capture the feeling of dynamic movement which is an essential component in graffiti art.”
Kwest ‘Genesis Railkyn’ Sculpture
Graffiti artist Kwest pays homage to his former moniker ‘thunder bird,’ associated with the history of freight train graffiti, with the “Genesis Railkyn” sculpture. “The basis of transferring this symbol into a tangible form is to bring the thunderbird into dimensional reality. Exploring the physical construction of this creature, in process draws from the shapes and structures from my graffiti style. Like the moniker on the train, each creation evokes a unique circumstance during my timeline and experience with the rails.”
