In a striking new installation titled “Con-Vivere,” the architectural team TAKK has taken over the lobby of MAXXI, the National Museum of 21st Century Arts in Rome. Curated by Martina Muzi, this project follows last year’s evocative work by Nacho Carbonell and aims to engage visitors in a dialogue about human coexistence and our relationship with the natural world.
Meet TAKK
Founded by Mireia Luzárraga and Alejandro Muiño in Barcelona, TAKK has crafted a whimsical yet meaningful environment that invites reflection on how humans can live harmoniously with non-human species. The installation features a welcoming oval station adorned with lights and floral elements, challenging the Modernist dismissal of ornamentation as mere decoration.
Design Elements
Among the standout features is a six-meter-diameter sofa upholstered in pink faux fur, designed for communal relaxation. “We live in capitalism but we don’t always have to be productive,” Luzárraga notes, emphasizing the importance of leisure. Above this inviting space hangs a large floral arrangement that adds calming aromas to the atmosphere.
A cascading planter system showcases various Mediterranean edible plants, symbolizing food sovereignty and ancient living practices. When the plants are ripe, a communal banquet will take place below, reinforcing the idea of shared resources.
Water as a Central Theme
Water plays a critical role in the installation, highlighted by a fountain dubbed “a water parliament.” This interactive feature allows visitors to engage with the concept of water not merely as a resource but as a vital component of interconnected ecosystems. Luzárraga reflects on the growing recognition of waterways as entities with legal rights, underscoring the urgency of environmental issues.
Future Dialogues
TAKK’s exploration of these themes will continue next year with a new installation focused on sediments for the World Congress of Architecture. Their work consistently critiques colonialism, capitalism, and anthropocentrism while promoting a feminist ethos and addressing climate change. “We are always working in this idea of how we should face this current crisis of climate change,” Luzárraga states, advocating for a shift away from human-centric perspectives.
With its playful yet serious approach, TAKK’s installation at MAXXI not only captivates visitors but also encourages them to reconsider their relationship with the world around them.
This article was produced by NeonPulse.today using human and AI-assisted editorial processes, based on publicly available information. Content may be edited for clarity and style.
