Art in the tower
A 750 square meter foyer provides access to the WINX Tower. It is located above a historic crossroads in Frankfurt’s former old town and is therefore accessible from the north, south and west. This entire eleven-meter-high space was designated without restriction as a location for a permanent art installation. Only structural regulations such as evacuation, smoke extraction and statics limit the artwork, which was selected in a competition under the guiding theme of “transparency and movement”.
Chiharu Shiota: “Passage”
The entrance hall of the WINX Tower in Frankfurt is characterized by transparent architecture and the “Passage” installation by Japanese artist Chiharu Shiota. Red boats under the glass roof and white boats on the rear wall symbolize movement, travel and the flow of life. The biggest inspiration, a historic barge, refers to Frankfurt’s trading history and its connection to the River Main. The arrangement of the boats refers to the former harbors and the historic street network around Buchgasse, a former center of the book trade.
Shiota’s work integrates the theme of the uncertain journey and reflects universal questions: “Even though we do not know where we are heading, we cannot stop.” The boats symbolize protection and progress on an uncertain journey through life. Their positioning creates both a historical and emotional connection to the site by suggesting a crossroads within the lobby, which after decades becomes perceptible again through public accessibility.
Passage is characterized by openness and interpretation. Shiota invites viewers to find their own meanings: “I have my own ideas and reasons behind my artworks, but I am happy for everybody to have their own. I believe that my reasons are not as important as the moment when the viewer enters another level of reality.” The installation creates a sacred atmosphere through the white boats and a broken-up arrangement, while the red boats seem to be going on an indefinite journey.
"I have my own ideas and reasons behind my artworks, but I am happy for everybody to have their own. I believe that my reasons are not as important as the moment when the viewer enters another level of reality."
The creation of the installation
The creation of the installation was a challenge, as Shiota was creating a permanent work of art for the first time. Fire safety regulations made the use of wool impossible, which is why a specially developed material was used. Further measures, such as a temperature-controlled construction for the outdoor boat, had to be implemented to make the project feasible.
The completion of the installation marks just one stage. “Passage” will act as a work of art and landmark in Frankfurt’s public space. It encourages people to pause, reflect and create personal memories. With “Passage”, Shiota succeeds in linking the historical significance of the site with universal themes such as existence, movement and transformation, thus shaping the city’s culture of remembrance.
970000 m Red thread spun by hand
230000 m White thread spun by hand
750 kg Weight of historic boat incl. sprinkler lines
approx. 250 kg Weight per small boat
Facts about the artwork –
The historic boat under construction
Storage
The historic boat was delivered in individual parts of maximum size and placed on the construction site aligned with the possible insertion openings. The boats were secured against bending by a temporary construction for the spinning and the duration of transportation.
Fire protection
The supply line for the sprinkler runs invisibly along the mast.
Material
The hulls are made of aluminum with a red paint finish. A coating thickness of 0.18-0.25 millimetres ensures fire protection class A1. The historic boat weighs approx. 750 kilograms including sprinkler lines, while the other boats weigh approx. 200-300 kilograms. Around 970 kilometers of red thread and 230 kilometers of white thread were spun by hand for “Passage”.
WINX. New life in the neighborhood
This book describes how the WINX Tower complements Frankfurt’s high-rise silhouette and revitalizes the district. The volume provides insights into plans and floors, provides information about Chiharu Shiota’s “Passage” and presents the building in pictures with fascinating perspectives – from the shell to the completed tower.