IN INNSBRUCK

25th June: After a short day of orientation yesterday, we set off to various buildings across central innsbruck (check out instagram for photos of most of them over the next few days) to draw and take photos for our individual sketch books.

We then headed onto the Hunderbergbahn Railway, by Zaha Hadid, connected with the alpine cable cars and up to the top of the Nordkette. The views of the surrounding alps and Innsbruck were insane. Some of us then decided to take an “easy” hike down a few stations. It was not easy, it was actually fairly terrifying at points, but we all survived and made it back to the hostel to sketch some more!

Much of our morning was spent sleeping after a long day yesterday. We headed into the Old Town for lunch before participating in some orientation, to build an understanding of the area. Lisa joined us and gave us a personal tour of the area. We encountered many of Innsbruck's landmarks; the Goldenes Dachl and adjacent Maria Theresien Strasse, Landhausplatz, the old Landhaus and Lanhaus 2. From walking around we gained an insight into the western Austrian architecture and their approach towards city planning. Our final destination was the 360 bar, giving us stunning panoramic views above the rooftops and up to the mountains. With the evening off, we indulged in a lot of food and relaxation.

24th June: Quote of the Day!

With all the details drawn up and platform bases set out on site the previous night, it was time to begin erecting the vertical structure and canopy. With a team consisting of Dan, Johnny, Billy, Chris and Jake designated to this, the structure was constructed quickly meaning other elements of the installation could be constructed and finished. Once the vertical uprights were secure a team of Jorge, Hannah, Andy, Grace, Ryan, Ward and Bridget placed the planks along the platform, so our walkway, all be it, a bit unsteady, was functional! Whilst the floor and bench planks were laid - by Ollie and Nancy - Alex, Niamh and Woo printed work onto small panels using acetone to form the exhibition pieces to fit into the installation, hung at intervals along the structure. Using the important stencilling skills, Bridget and myself took up the last job of printing our logo along the platform. At 6:30 the construction was finished, and we moved off to have a small BBQ in the sun on the grass alongside our creation, the perfect way to celebrate quite a stressful week! 

....its going to get finished...

23rd June: Vertical Construction begins. With the waffles in place last night they were covered in tarp over night to protect them from Innsbrucks sudden downpours! This morning we uncovered them and dived straight into assembling the vertical uprights that support the canopy.

Even though there were some people suffering from minor hangovers, we were in good spirits to get the day started. A plan of action was drawn up by Ryan and Ward and we split off into groups based on a variation of tasks in hope to fulfil them all by the end of the day. Ryan and Johnny started out by measuring out the waffle structures for the lower platforms in order for them to start a production line of construction. With Jake and Chris cutting the strips (with help from the team throughout the day) to then pass onto Bridget to mark up. These were then cut out by a combination of Billy, Jake, Jorge and Ollie and assembled into the waffles. While the waffle construction was in process, Grace and Dan were surveying the ground ready to dig the trench in order to lay the terracotta blocks as our foundation for the seating. Back in the studio, Hannah and Pringle were making sketch up models and drawing up the pieces which will be used within our exhibition. Ryan and Ward were calculating the measurements for the sloped walkway, and planning out how to construct it. We all powered through the day until 8pm, ready to go have our group meal of Curry at the Toshiko’s apartment, made by Niamh and Ward. All completely exhausted by and very full on day, we headed back to the hostel for some well deserved and needed sleep!

An important part of engaging with Austrian culture was obviously to try the Viennese schnitzel  at the Gasthaus which did not disappoint. The pork, breaded and fried dish with potato salad and cranberry chutney was incredibly filling and delicious and so worth it (potentially the highlight of the trip so far), and another trip is definitely necessary.

21st June: This mornings hangovers aside, we’ve all had a great day. The foundations and waffle floor plates have progressed solidly and tomorrow the canopy will begin to take shape. Everyones excited about starting the vertical construction and providing the rain continues to stay away the next two days are going to be really exciting! But first, SLEEP.

21st June: 

After slaving through the forever changing weather, and a regular change of cagoule to non-cagoule attire, the foundations have officially been laid ready for the waffle structure to be placed. 

Our base for this week. They’ve been very generous with their tools, space and time. We extend our thanks to the whole university and especially the staff and students who have been involved in pre ordering materials!

Have a look at what they’re up to!